"My Land and Home" ("Zemlya i Dom"), "Sovetsky Pisatel' ", Moscow, 1986. – Collection of poetry:

* * *

Tormented by a concept that's unclear,
or from boredom, nonetheless the artist
carefully touched the canvas
and look, lines like smoke
stream, weave and flow
one crossing another.
The artist frees
the naked woman
from superfluous lines
as if from chains –
her breast, her arm.
One last knowing stroke
and body and soul come to life.
While they hadn't come to life, while
she is still mute, quiet
in deep, flat non-existence,
creator, leave her as a sketch,
don't make that bold stroke,
don't bequeath her to the whim
of earthly fate and to suffering.
Why should she pay with an immeasurable contribution
for your sudden rage?
But it's late. The entreaty is in vain.
The artist is shuddering and possessed:
she is all radiant and, oh God,
she moves away a tress from her forehead with her hand.

          1978

Translated by Richard McKane

          In Russian
          Read by the Author