For long, how long my love and I were parted!
We met again. As strangers we departed.
Although we two did not exchange a word,
The memories shared had left us heavy hearted.

Our faces gave no sign. Our glance was cool.
Each stood and stared like some benighted fool.
I was no moth that winds a burning spool
Of love around a lamp... And we departed.

We stood together less than half an hour.
We were not singed. The flame had lost its power.
We felt no warmth. Our love could not reflower.
She went her way. Unreconciled we parted.

Once we admitted neither of us cared,
We suffered much as through this life we fared.
The birds that in our souls once sang were scared—
Like us they fled and wander heavy hearted.

Vagif once loved, but she deserves disdain.
Yes, false she was—he suffered all in vain.
We never spoke or thought of love again...
Without embracing, strangers we departed.

Translated by Tom Botting

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