The weather has been absolutely beautiful today (in Leeds, at least) despite all predictions of rain. I don't plan to complain. Instead, I was out shopping, and purchases included Novik's new Temeraire book Victory of Eagles (out here at last, whee!) and a new pair of sandals.
I hate buying shoes. (I'm not that wild on buying clothes, either.) I hope this pair continues to feel as comfortable as they did in the shop. They're Ecco ones, low-heeled and wide with velcro adjustable straps, so I've got my fingers crossed.
And yes, Victory of Eagles was a great read. (Yes, I have finished it already: why do you ask?)
The two poems given below are the same poem by Anna Akhmatova, translated by two different people. I'm not sure which I prefer, or if I'd like something entirely different.
---
You will hear thunder and remember me
You will hear thunder and remember me,
And think: she wanted storms. The rim
Of the sky will be the colour of hard crimson,
And your heart, as it was then, will be on fire.
That day in Moscow, it will all come true,
when, for the last time, I take my leave,
And hasten to the heights that I have longed for,
Leaving my shadow still to be with you.
-- Anna Akhmatova, translated by DM Thomas
Thunder
There will be thunder then. Remember me.
Say 'She asked for storms.' The entire
world will turn the colour of crimson stone,
and your heart, as then, will turn to fire.
That day, in Moscow, a true prophecy,
when for the last time I say goodbye,
soaring to the heavens that I longed to see,
leaving my shadow here in the sky.
-- Anna Akhmatova, translated by AS Kline
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