Черные бушлаты [Chernye bushlaty] [English translation]

Dedicated to Yevpatoria amphibious assault 

We left far behind all declines, all our failures and sunsets.

Just give us a minuscule, almost invisible rise!

I want to believe that our black double-breasted wool jackets

Will give us a chance to observe yet another sunrise.

Today in formation they told us: “Must die like true heroes!”

“We’ll try. Not a problem. We’ll see, but we can’t guarantee.”

I only decided, while puffing my friend’s borrowed ciggies:

“Each man to his own, but this dawn’s all that matters to me.”

A special detail is the highest acclaim for a sapper.

Don’t jump from the shrubs with a knife on my back, it’s unwise.

Don’t trouble yourself – if my very own throat is now severed,

I will see this sunrise before my own final demise.

We strolled through their rear while restraining to slash them in slumber.

The passage was opened and then I observed with surprise, –

A green, immature, yet so very responsive sunflower

Already has turned its small head right towards the sunrise.

I know this for certain, behind us were left at six-thirty

Not only these falls and declines, but a rise and a climb.

Teeth grinding, two separate wires I now strip in a hurry;

The skies are still dark, but I know it’ll be light in no time.

… Our company walks away smaller than ever.

What happened won’t matter, what counts is the blown-up old fort.

I want to believe that our risky and dirty endeavor

Will give you a chance to observe the sun rise at no cost.

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky