The Last Rose I have to bow with Morozova, Dance with Herod's stepdaughter, Fly up with the smoke of Dido's fire, Only to return on Joan of Arc's pyre. Lord! You see I am tired Of living and dying and resurrection. Take everything, but grant that I may feel That freshness of this crimson rose again. August 9, 1962 Komarova by Anna Akhmatova Translated by Judith Hemschemeyer Return to Akhmatova Index Return to Russian Poets index