This way I prayed

Alsu Valeeva singing my translation

This way I prayed: "Slake the dumb thirst 
Of singing with a sweet libation!" 
But to the earthling of the earth 
There can be no liberation. 

Like smoke from sacrifice, that it could not 
Fly Strength- and Glory-ward - alas - 
But only clouded at the feet 
And, as if praying, kissed the grass. 

Thus I, O Lord, before thee bow: 
Will reach the fire of the sky 
My lashes that are closed for now 
And muteness utter and divine?

By Anna Akhmatova
Translated from Russian by Ilya Shambat