The Last Leaf

Alexander Pushkin (1799–1837)

From the Russian by John Pollen

Ya Perezhil Svoï Zhelanya

I ’VE overlived aspirings,

My fancies I disdain;

The fruit of hollow-heartedness,

Sufferings alone remain.

’Neath cruel storms of Fate

With my crown of bay,

A sad and lonely life I lead,

Waiting my latest day.

Thus, struck by latter cold

While howls the wintry wind,

Trembles upon the naked bough

The last leaf left behind.