"Yet to die. Unalone still." (trans. by John High)
The person being addressed in this poem, although bound to die, will not be alone, for their poor friend is with them. They look upon the greatness of the plain area with one another, while regarding the darkness, the temperature and the snow storms.
Mandelstam tells the reader to live a quiet and unassuming life, consoled whilst in the poorest conditions. He remarks that each day and night in these conditions is a blessing and that the work done with the voice is blameless, without sin.
In his opinion, those who live like a shadow, afraid of even a barking dog, and feeble in the face of the wind, are to be miserable. Those who are only half-living themselves, yet begs for such small amounts, are poor in his opinion.
"Alone I stare into the frost's white face." (trans. by John High)
Mandelstam notes how he faces the frost, white in color. It does not have a destination, whilst he himself comes from no specific place. Everything he wears is pristinely ironed, without wrinkle, showing each breath under his shirt.
In the meantime the sun is shining on the poverty below, at ease in itself. Alongside it, the forest lives, not bothered by the poor conditions around it. The snow on the ground innocently crunches when walked on.
From Stone: 6 (trans. by Robert Tracy)
A birch tree is described, blowing in front of a pale blue-colored enamel, a color associated with every month of April.Evening then arrives in a shy manner.A pattern is created that is delicate and completely finished. Its shape is one of thin lines that resemble those on a plate that has been crafted with care.As the artist works, showing his skill, the glaze keeps the image he draws, and in this moment, when his skills are evident, he forgets about death.
From Stone: 24 (trans. by Clarence Brown and W.S. Merwin)
Leaves barely draw breath whilst in the dark breeze. Its color is black. The swallows flit in circular motions above in the sky during the evening dusk. Mandelstam describes the state of his heart. It is a loving heart, but it continues to die. Within it a twilight draws near, a final glimpse of light is disapproving. Above the forest this evening, the moon begins to clamber to its rightful position. Mandelstam ends the poem by asking two relating questions: why has the music ceased to play and why is there only this silence.
