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A Letter to a Brother

 

A Russian writer Valery Panyushkin posted this video on YouTube. This is beautiful, but it’s also heartbreaking. I regret the lack of rhyme and rhythm in the language.

This is still a poor translation. It was adapted from Arik Kraglyak. If it does not work, I encourage you to forward this YouTube link on behalf of any Russian-speaking friends you may know. I’m sure they will be as moved as I was.

Is this letter going to arrive someday?
Moscow to Kiev
Is the letter from his brother reaching his brother?
Perhaps his widow.
Where are you at the basement? You, dear.
They called the darkness light and lit the sun black above our heads.

You can listen to my little brother.
Pay attention to my words.
I discovered your Teddy-bear among the toys.
It was hugged and now I am just sitting there.
As I marched outside, I shouted “no to war!”
However, some strong men caught me and beat my head.
What’s the best way to get out of the basement? This is what you can see:
They called the darkness light and lit the sun black above our heads.

Is it possible to return up to your apartment again?
Have you ever worn clean underwear before?
Irina, your wife!
And Uncle Ilya.
Lyonya is your troublemaker
Your son is doing well?
It is possible that it was in the territory defense forces.
If he is still living.
If he ever rises out of this sea,
Embrace him,
Embrace him,
Accept him as you are.
What’s the best way to get out of the basement? This is what you can see:
They called the darkness light and lit the sun black above our heads.

Future is not now
There is not even the slightest chance of success.
They came to visit our home.
You can draw on the doors with a “Z.”
It still needs to be injured or killed.
A prisoner or exile.
They got to the end of alphabet
Beyond that, there is no language.

They can come to me.
Do not lock the doors.
You’ll see me as a hero in a split second
Then, the darkness will descend

What’s the best way to get out of the basement? This is what you can see:
They called the darkness light and lit the sun black above our heads.
Where are you at the basement? You, dear.
They called the darkness light and lit the sun black above our heads.