Closeness Poem by viacheslav kupriyanov

How are we to find the distance between us
measure it in strides
in go-between figures
flickering souls

How long does a letter travel
from me to you
whilst we still stand
breathe side by side

However long closeness might linger
eternity
is separation
the measure of all loves

I am waiting for your words
not knowing from what land
should I step nearer my heart
or give my heart more space
shelter you from the wind
or give you to the wind
and ravel its flights
with yours

And how must we be beneath the sun
how can we hold back our shadows
which the night will mingle
as one
with whoever
might come our way

translated from Russian by Francis R. Jones