In Memoriam, July 19, 1914 by Anna Akhmatova
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In Memoriam, July 19, 1914 (1917) Anna Akhmatova
We aged a hundred years and this descended In just one hour, as at a stroke. The summer had been brief and now was ended; The body of the ploughed plains lay in smoke.
The hushed road burst in colours then, a soaring Lament rose, ringing silver like a bell. And so I covered up my face, imploring God to destroy me before battle fell.
And from my memory the shadows vanished Of songs and passions—burdens I’d not need. The Almighty bade it be—with all else banished— A book of portents terrible to read.
