Nikolai Stepanovich Gumil

1886 - 1921 / Russia

Porcelain Pavilion

Amidst the waters of a man-made lake,
A porcelain pavilion rises high.
The way to it is lead by jasper bridge
That’s cambered like a tiger’s back.

And that pavilion houses friends tonight,
They are attired for the holidays;
The dragon patterns on their chalices,
They glitter with the warmed-up wine.

Friends turn from chatting their happy chats
To jotting down their happy songs;
They push off foreheads their yellow hats,
And roll up their yellow sleeves.

Transparent lake reflects so clearly
The bridge curved in as if the jasper moon,
And friends who gathered at this hour
See their reflections upside down.
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