You think, that’s not suitable for my age, I very seldom open my soul, - I’ll tell you about Magadan - Listen! When I saw the Nagaiskaya bay and highroads, - I flew there not quite offhandedly. Once I have travelled to Magadan - I ran way from myself like from consumption. There I was at once dead drunk by vodka. But I saw the Nagaiskaya bay and highways, - I flew there not quite offhandedly. With me flew rumours following my footsteps, Leaving behind aeroplanes and snowstorm, - I flew there to my friend nevertheless! And I saw the Nagaiskaya bay and highways, - I flew there not quite offhandedly. I gave my enemies no cause - To open their veins, not to tear their aortas, - I suddenly flew to Magadan. Damn! I saw the Nagaiskaya bay and highways, - I flew there not quite offhandedly. Indeed I left behind there many ladies, - They wrote to me: "All your ladies beat it!" - It doen’t matter - but I’ve travelled to Magadan. We are quits! And I saw the Nagaiskaya bay and highways, - I flew there not quite offhandedly. When the matter of coldness approaches, - Even if it’s far and to one’s cost, I want to travel to my friend in Magadan - Agreed! You did not see the Nagaiskaya bay - you fool! I flew there not quite offhandedly.
© Elisabeth Jelinek. Translation, 2018