How many demands the beloved can make! <br />The woman discarded, none. <br />How glad I am that today the water <br />Under the colorless ice is motionless. <br /> <br />And I stand - Christ help me! - <br />On this shroud that is brittle and bright, <br />But save my letters <br />So that our descendants can decide, <br /> <br />So that you, courageous and wise, <br />Will be seen by them with greater clarity. <br />Perhaps we may leave some gaps <br />In your glorious biography? <br /> <br />Too sweet is earthly drink, <br />Too tight the nets of love. <br />Sometime let the children read <br />My name in their lesson book, <br />And on learning the sad story, <br />Let them smile shyly. . . <br />Since you've given me neither love nor peace <br />Grant me bitter glory.<br /><br />Anna Akhmatova<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/how-many-demands/
