The Light will Burn and Darken

We present this work in honor of the poet’s 155th birthday.

06-15 Balmont
Konstantin Balmont
Russian
1867 – 1942

 

The light will burn and darken, then burn with stronger blaze,
But unreturning darkens the sheen of youthful days.
Glow then, and be enkindled, the while thou still art young,
Let ever more undwindled the heart’s loud chords be strung,
That something be remembered in waning years of woe,
That chill old-age be lighted by that decayless glow,
Born of exalted fancies, and headstrong youth’s ado,
Heedless, but full of splendour, heedless and hallowed, too.

 

Translation by Paul Selver

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