Perhaps, the utmost victory
O’er time and o'er gravity –
To pass and leave no legacy,
To pass and leave no shade
On walls…
Perhaps – by shunning
To attain? Erase the mirrorred face?
As Lermontov in Caucasus,
Not having vexed the place.
Or maybe – I should entertain
Myself not touching echo's breath
Of Bach’s refrain?
Disintegrate, not leaving stain
On earth …
Perhaps - by cheating
To attain? Quit latitudes' domain?
To steal, like time, o’er ocean’s plain,
Not having vexed the wave…
1923
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