I love the verbs

I love the verbs in your mouth

saying "Don't wait," "I won't go."

I love your hands reaching

for the ball I throw.

I love your sudden laugh,

parted lips catching the snow.

I love the way you reach

for the ball I throw.

I love your flying heels

leaping like a doe surprised,

the wind in your hair,

your hair in your eyes.

I don't want to own you

not in winter, not in spring.

I just want to hear your voice

singing when you sing.

Translated from the Russian by Diana Der-Hovanessian and M. Mkrtchian

(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society