The distant and obscure sound (Mandelstam/Smirnov)

«The distant and obscure sound…» автор Osip Mandelstam (1891—1938), transl. D. Smirnov-Sadovsky (b. 1947)

Источник: www.poetryintranslation.com • In Russian: «Звук осторожный и глухой…». First printed in the 2nd edition of "Stone" (1916). From Stone (No. 1). See also Poems. Translated from Russian.

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The distant and obscure sound, A fruit fell from a tree among Unceasing music of a tongue Of forests – silent and profound…

1908 (transl. 2011)

Earlier versions:

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The careful and obscure sound Of fruit snapped from a tree among The music of unceasing tongue Of forest, – silent and profound…

1908 (transl. 28 April 2007, St Albans)

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The careful and muted sound Of a fruit falling from the tree Amidst the unbroken singing Of deep silence of the forest…

1908 (transl. 22 October 2006, St Albans)

Notes

© D. Smirnov-Sadovsky, translation. Can be reproduced if non-commercial.

Other translations

• The sound, muffled, cautious Translated by A. S. Kline

• Оригинал