To Grandfather

In memory of Tsuman N.G.

I fall asleep only when morning breaks, Beneath the fragile rosy-fingered dawn, Breathing the scent your jacket makes, Though you have long, so long been gone.

I miss your words, your counsel true, Your eyes that gazed upon my face, Your simple answers, clear and true, And "Tanyushka" spoken with such grace...

When starlight gleams across the night— I think of you and hold you near, And feel with sudden, perfect light You pray for me from that far sphere...

And your wondrous prayer's gentle power Gives strength to journey on once more, I'm wrapped within it every hour, It guides me as it did before.

You fell asleep in peaceful rest, Without complaint or bitter word, And leaving life—you were the best, A shining example we observed, Upon the path to that bright land, Our Golden Fatherland so grand.