In response to Marina Tsvetayeva’s “Just yesterday, you met my gaze”
Last time, I really enjoyed writing a response poem to Alexander Pushkin’s famous poem, so decided to do another one, but this time with Marina Tsvetayeva. Marina Tsvetayeva is one of the most famous Russian poetesses in history, writing about her romances and love affairs. This time I chose her famous poem “Jus yesterday, you met my gaze”, dedicated to another lost love. First, I will introduce you the translated version of the poem:
Just yesterday, you met my gaze, Now you avoid it, grim and dark! You used to stay till morning rays, — Now, ravens have replaced the larks!
I’m just a fool, and you’re so wise, You’re living and I’ve long turned numb. O women’s ageless, timeless cries: “My dear one, what is it I’ve done?!”
All blood and tears are merely water, She bathes in them, becoming pretty. Love is a step-mom — not a mother: She’s cruel, unjust and feels no pity
Ships take our loved ones and set sail. A white road takes them and they’re gone. Across the earth, the women wail: “My dear one, what is it I’ve done?!”
Last night, beside me, you lay low, Comparing me to China’s power! Then suddenly you let me go, — And life, — a kopek — hit the ground!
As if in court for an infant’s murder, I stood there, feeling rather stunned. Even from hell, to you I’ll murmur: “My dear one, what is it I’ve done?!”
I asked the chair, I asked the bed: “Why all this pain? Why do I bother?” “He got his kiss — you’re doomed to death: And now, he’s off to kiss another.”
You’ve taught to live in the fire’s heat, Now, in the icy steppe — I’m shunned! That’s what, my dear, you’ve done to me! My dear one, what is it I’ve done?
I know it all — don’t contradict me! I see again — no more your lover! Where Love departs, there, rather quickly, Old Death-the-Gardener takes over.
Why shake the tree? The apples fall Once they have ripened in the sun. — Forgive me all, forgive me all, My dear one, — that I’ve ever done!
And here is the response that I wrote.
Just yesterday, I kissed your lips
Now I have forgotten how they taste
Your morning smile, that I would never miss
Has become a memory in my brain.
You sound certain that I am a hypocrite,
I never thought I was that wise,
My dear one, you haven’t done anything,
To deserve my dirty, cruel lies.
Your tears are priceless, my dear love
Sometimes are romance was cruel and tough,
But as a mother it warmed us up,
Do not confuse it with pity and lust.
I didn’t choose to leave your side,
My ship has never really sailed,
Tell all the women, who have lost their fights,
That they are the ones who have been failed.
Last night, I praised all you have got
Your graceful body, and power of mind,
I have let you go, but I never thought
That a woman like you will hit the ground.
You didn’t have to stand in court,
I was the villain in this story,
Even in hell, our love will grow,
You are the grace, you are the glory.
I hit the walls, I hit the doors,
My stupidity had no excuses,
That kiss will stay with me like, like an evil force
I never longed for lips of another.
I have shown you love, and heat and passion
But now my heart is covered in ice
I have built the walls around my mansion,
To protect another from my ruthless heart.
You don’t know why I had to leave,
Despite my actions, you are still my lover,
I have, as well, been sick and ill,
I too have lost all of my covers.
Our time was long ago gone,
And it was neither your fault nor mine,
Like a tree in the sun, again you will grow tall
My dear one, we will be fine.
I hope you enjoyed it.
Here is a link to my previous freestyle :
And a link to Marina Tsvetayeva’s poem ( Russian and English versions):
https://www.tania-soleil.com/tcvetaeva-vchera-eshche-v-glaza-gliadel-na-angliiskom/
