Тёмная ночь [Tyomnaya noch'] [English translation]

Poet: Vladimir Agatov (Velvl Gurewitz)

DARK IS THE NIGHT

Dark is the night. Only gunshots are heard in the steppe,

There’s a roaring wind noise in the wires, and the stars flicker dimly.

On this dark night, I just know, you, my darling, don’t sleep –

By the baby crib you sit all night, wiping bitter tears grimly.

I am in love with the depth of your tender blue eyes,

And I dream of pressing my lips to them in solace.

This gloomy night separates us – between us it lies,

And this sinister darkening steppe is stretched broadly before us.

I do believe, you’ll remain ever faithful and true;

And this faith has safeguarded my life in the fiercest of battles.

I am at peace, for I know I’m returning to you,

And whatever befalls me – I know – I will be in fine fettle.

I fear no death – I have faced it a lot in this steppe.

Even right now, it is hovering over me here.

Waiting for me, by the baby crib you never sleep,

That’s why I know that nothing at all will befall me at war, dear.