Today you look especially sad,
frail hands clasped to each calf.
Hush. Hush. Beside far Lake Chad
lopes a graceful giraffe.
Such balance he has, such bliss.
the amazing shapes on his hide
compare but to this:
moonshine on water, shallow and wide,
his piebald quilt, ships’ sails,
his easy gait, flocks at flight.
What a marvel this earth, what tales!
Like the marble grotto, each night
our giraffe’s retreat,
or the demure mare who resists.
But you, you breathe in mists,
only believe in the rain,
There are gardens tendril-clad
You cry, hands wrapped around each calf.
Hush. Hush. Beside far Lake Chad
lopes this graceful giraffe
After Gumilev
Жираф