I’m not asking for your love. She is now in a safe place. Believe that I am your bride …

I’m not asking for your love. She is now in a safe place. Believe me, I’m not writing jealous letters to your fiancee. But take wise advice: Let her read my poems, Let her keep my portraits, – After all, the suitors are so kind! And these fools need a Consciousness full of victory, Than friendship, light conversations And the memory of the first tender days … When you live a penny of happiness with your dear friend And for a satiated soul Everything will become so hateful at once – On my solemn night, Do not come. I don’t know you. And how could I help you? I do not heal from happiness. 1914 A. Akhmatova