Forest

The day is fading, yet I still stand
With a heavy heart and silent thought
And gaze upon the forest wall
That rises up around me naught.
Perhaps the partisans have lit
A bonfire in the evening air
And brave eagles of "Dedushkin"
Have just returned from scouting there.
Maybe comrade "T" is planning
A great deed for the night
And I hear in the darkness
The brave saber being drawn tight.
Forest, forest, between you and me
Are iron rings of prison walls
But my body is captive, my mind is free
And no barrier can break its calls.
Freely it circles in the wood
Exploring your trails and paths
And whether I lay down or rise up
Your voice calls me to its task.
Forest, forest, you call me, ringing
Swaying in the pine-tree gloom
You teach me songs of rage and
Songs of stern oppression's doom.
Forest, forest, how heavy is my fate!
How low this shameful bondage lies!
Tell me, where are my loyal friends
Where has the rebel hidden them?
Forest, forest, lead me to them soon
Give me arms and courage bold
Let me die in battle with my foe
Having fulfilled my oath of old!