Little Nils is growing up to be Nils the Great.
But as before he can’t be calm and can’t wait.
Regardless if he is on foot or if he’s just came.
A view from the height of geese flight over the world
Sharply re-orients perspective of all
And it’s impossible to go on the same way.
Nils is in a fever of fields he imagines
Nils is soaring up with help of roaring engines,
And he’s calmly watching in window the landscape in dawn.
Rivers flow to seas, and pastures to tilth,
Tilth is changed by woods and further beneath
A layer of clouds is covering the road to his home.
New countries and lightfull capitals say hi to Nils.
Nils is smiling and Nils is afraid of nil.
He is full of ideas and takes all tasks for toys.
Taking his prizes by the easiest rate,
Little Nils is growing up to be Nils the great,
Which hides inside that funny and lovely boy
That boy, that has his cap to the side of his head,
Is thumbing an ancient book on the roof of a castle, instead
Of being depressed he is always being excited.
He gives faith to himself and trusts in his force.
He shows to all his way to the North,
And draws maps on wet sand by his heart.
He is only confused by the tiniest circumstance:
Every evening when he comes to his place
In the hotel room he can hear gnome's wailing:
Where are you, Nils, swanning around, standing about?
Your house is abandoned and your son is growing up
And you’re far away from your home for ever, for ever...
Russian version: http://www.stihi.ru/2018/06/03/2846