Мотоциклетка [Motozikletka] [English translation]

I remember you as a young noble lady in a short white blouse.

I was your home teacher and taught you in French,

I adored you then.

I was an unremarkable gymnasium student, and you were my princess,

You sang me "Marseillaise", burring so charmingly

And I sang along!

I met you six years later and thought I would not recognize you.

You were wearing black riding breeches and holding a cigar in your mouth

And next to you was Satan!

His villainous yellow eye - the mark of the Antichrist

His name - Motorcycle1, and yours - Motorcyclette2.

And you are his wife!

I saw it myself tonight: fiery, naked

You flew into the sky on a frightening black wolf

I know it was him.

I light a candle in front of the icons, but I no longer believe

Soon, I will sell my soul to you, to you and to a Motorcycle.

Our Father, who art in heaven!3

Our Father, who art in heaven!

Seven wolves, one she-wolf.

Blow, the wind, care our trouble away

Into the open field.

I will not exist tomorrow,

You will not exist tomorrow,

All of us will not exist tomorrow,

Today or tomorrow.

1. In Russian, "motorcycle" is a masculine word, so you can say "he" even about an inanimate object2. Word formed from the words "Motorcycle" and female suffix (similar to the word "coquette")3. Archaic translation of the first line of archaic Russian prayer.

• Artist:Agatha Christie