We didn’t share you and didn’t fondle As for we loved you - so, it’s behind Valya, I keep your light image in my soul And Alex pricked your image on his left breast side. On that day we were parting at the station I promised to remember you till death. I said: "I won’t ever forget Valya!" "Me even more", - Alex replied for that. And now solve - for whom of us it’s harder And for whom of us it’s worse - try to decide: As for him - your profile’s pricked outside him And as for me - my soul’s stung inside. And when I’m so sick I wish to be beheaded Don’t get insulted by my words, I beg you, I ask Alex that he undo his long shirt And for hours I look, I look at you. But, recently, my good friend and comrade Has overcome my trouble by the skill. From Alex’s breast he copied out you And he pricked your profile on my breast skin. It’s embarassing to blacken friends, I know But you’re closer and more intimate for me ’Cause my tattoo, well, ’cause your tattoo is So much better and more beautiful than his.
© Felix Kriulin. Translation, 2004