Anna Akhmatova

Unfortunately, we didn't have time to visit the Akhmatova Museum, but her portrait at the Russian Museum is haunting.


Can you relate?

There's a secret border in human closeness,
that love's being, love's passion, cannot pass --
though lips are sealed together in sacred silence,
though hearts break in two with love's distress.

And friendship too is powerless,
and years of sublime flame-filled ecstasy
when the soul itself is free, fights clear,
of the slow languor of sensuality.

Those who try to reach that boundary are mad,
and those who have -- are filled with anguish.
Now you know, now you understand,
why my heart won't beat at your caress.