A poem by N. Panova, dedicated

to Natashenka Korableva,

who died during the terror act at Dubrovka:

I am a little boat, gentle and frail,

My sails are crystal.

My hands are on the tiller -

I am setting out on a lethal route.

Excuse me!  I will not hang

A white flag on the skinny mast!

Do not cry for me, I beg,

Let me go on my last journey!

‘Nord-Ost’ knocks me off my feet,

My father’s shore is hidden in the fog,

But I stand up to my full height

And as before, I believe in Good!

I am a little boat, gentle and frail,

I did not search for peace!

My hands do not shake!

Remember me as such!

I fly on sails,

Leaving behind the unstable shore,

I am already in the heavens!

Only my smile remains with you!

‘Nord-Ost’ knocks me off my feet,

My father’s shore is hidden in the fog,

But I stand up to my full height

And as before, I believe in Good!

The anchor has broken away, and the rigging tears,

The sails need mending,

While all around passions rage.

In this world I am but a grain of sand.

A harsh wind beats against my breast,

It always tears where it is thin.

Life is so beautiful!

Live a long, long time!!!

‘Nord-Ost’ knocks me off my feet,

My father’s shore is hidden in the fog,

But I stand up to my full height