Speaking In Tongues
Scribbling In Voices
Taras Shevchenko
The Will
Translated by Boris Leyvi
When I die, inhume me
On the flatlands wide,
Among the steppes Ukrainian
At my native site
Where the hills and scenic lawns
Have breathtaking view,
Where the Dniepr roars on,
Beautiful as few.
When it drains from dear Ukraine
Blood of damned foes,
Then I'll leave for High Domain
Of Celestial Laws.
I'll desert you and subdue
To our only God
Not before the Residue
Shoveled into mud.
Hence, You bury me and rise,
Tear up slave debris
And remember me, demised,
In the land of free!