HEAVY SNOWFALL AT DUSK

Maybe, not snowflakes 
but huge heavy feathers 
float, on the ground alighting, 
maybe, above, 
at the crossroads of weathers 
myriads of birds are fighting...

Maybe 
these avenues, trees and lights, 
buildings both small and large 
are but an illusion of city sights, 
just a fantastic mirage...

Maybe 
the people 
so sinlessly white 
are nothing but creatures unreal, 
maybe 
the Snow King 
has made them tonight 
like babes all alike and ideal...

Translated by Lionginas Pažūsis


* * *

Bear with me. 
In this world of feelings and impressions 
we do enjoy some moments of delight. 
A tiny piece of glass 
upon the sand 
may flash abruptly like the sun 
attracting, tempting, 
though its light 
will lead us but a step. 
Be proud 
and brilliant like the sun 
if anything that shines so bright 
is nothing 
but a dim reflection 
of your light. 
Be bright and pure. 
I tell you this 
not to reduce my guilt 
although at times your glance 
will cast a shadow on my heart... 
Bear with me...

Yet I am glad that there exist 
these blissful moments of enchantment 
and long long years 
of discontented love.

Translated by Lionginas Pažūsis

Born in the small town of Kuršėnai, Vacys Reimeris graduated from the Institute of Literature in Moscow in 1956. From 1949 to 1969 he edited the newspaper Literatūra ir Menas (Literature and Art). From 1952 to 1954 he was a secretary of the board of the official Union of Lithuanian Writers. His verse was first published in 1934. His first book of poetry, To the Land of My Fathers, appeared in 1945. A poetic view of specific happenings in life, youthful romanticism and sonority of verse mark his collections, With Spring (1948), And the Song Soars (1952), Full Moon Circle (1962) and Wine of the Wind. For his Indian cycle of poems, By the White Tadj (1958), Reimeris was awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Prize in 1968.