No returning

Yes! The choice is made No returning I have left my native land behind No more will the winged leaves of poplars Whisper songs above me on the wind My small house will stoop without my presence My old dog has long since passed away On Moscow's curved and winding alleyways God has willed that I shall end my days I love this city laced with elm trees Though it sags and withers, worn by time Golden, drowsy hints of ancient Asia Rest upon the cupolas sublime And when moonlight spills across the evening When it shines in ways I can't explain! I walk with heavy head and shoulders slumping Down familiar paths to my haunt again Noise and clamor fill this dreadful tavern Yet all night, till dawn breaks through the gloom I read verses to the working women And drink spirits with the rogues till noon Heart beats faster, quickening its measure Till my words run strange and slip away I am lost and ruined just like you are There's no path that leads me home today My small house will stoop without my presence My old dog has long since passed away On Moscow's curved and winding alleyways God has willed that I shall end my days