1
The lot by the graves was a dusty hot land;
The river behind — blue and cool.
You told me, “Well, go to a convent,
Or go marry a fool…”
Princes always say that, being placid or fierce,
But I cherish this speech, short and poor —
Let it flow and shine through a thousand years,
Like from shoulders do mantles of fur.
2
And, as if in wrong occasion,
I said, “Thou,” else…
And an easy smile of pleasure
Lit up dear face.
From such lapses, told or mental,
Every cheek would blaze.
I love you as forty gentle
Sisters love and bless.
(Anna Akhmatova)
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Based on Topics: Faces Poems, Pleasure Poems, Fool Poems, Speech PoemsBased on Keywords: mantles, lapses