Boris Pasternak: Winter Night

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10.02.2016 2319



Pasternak-11_Md.jpg


It snowed and snowed , the whole world over,
Snow swept the world from end to end.
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned.


As during summer midges swarm
To beat their wings against a flame
Out in the yard the snowflakes swarmed
To beat against the window pane


The blizzard sculptured on the glass
Designs of arrows and of whorls.
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned.


Distorted shadows fell
Upon the lighted ceiling:
Shadows of crossed arms, of crossed legs-
Of crossed destiny.


Two tiny shoes fell to the floor
And thudded.
A candle on a nightstand shed wax tears
Upon a dress.


All things vanished within
The snowy murk-white, hoary.
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned.


A corner draft fluttered the flame
And the white fever of temptation
Upswept its angel wings that cast
A cruciform shadow


It snowed hard throughout the month
Of February, and almost constantly
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned. 

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