“A kiss on the forehead”

By Marina Tsvetaeva
Translated By Ilya Kaminsky
A kiss on the forehead—erases misery.
I kiss your forehead.

A kiss on the eyes—lifts sleeplessness.
I kiss your eyes.

A kiss on the lips—is a drink of water.
I kiss your lips.

A kiss on the forehead—erases memory.


1917
 

Notes:

Read the translator's notes on this poem.

Source: Poetry (March 2012)