D. Kharms. Faddeyev, Kaldeyev and Peppermaldeyev

Faddeyev, Kaldeyev and Peppermaldeyev
once walked in the dark of the shadowed groves.
Faddeyev in a top hat, Kaldeyev in fine gloves,
and Peppermaldeyev with a key on his nose.

Above, in a squeaky cart, falcons were catching
a high-bowed ride on an airborne route.
Faddeyev was itching, Kaldeyev was scratching,
and Peppermaldeyev kicked out with his foot.

But all of a sudden the air inflated,
and burst in the sky set aflame by the heat.
Faddeyev was jumping, Kaldeyev was ducking,
and Peppermaldeyev got hold of his key.

Why show a white feather, just think for a moment –
the sages came dancing along in relief.
Faddeyev with boxes, Kaldeyev with watches,
and Peppermaldeyev with a scourge in his sleeve.

And long after darkness they joyfully played there
until it was time for the cry of the cock.
Faddeyev, Kaldeyev and Peppermaldeyev
were laughing: hee-hee, ha-ha-ha, ho-ho-ho!

(from Russian)


Даниил Хармс
ФАДЕЕВ, КАЛДЕЕВ И ПЕПЕРМАЛДЕЕВ


Фадеев, Калдеев и Пепермалдеев
однажды гуляли в дремучем лесу.
Фадеев в цилиндре, Калдеев в перчатках,
а Пепермалдеев с ключом на носу.

Над ними по воздуху сокол катался
в скрипучей тележке с высокой дугой.
Фадеев смеялся, Калдеев чесался,
а Пепермалдеев лягался ногой.

Но вдруг неожиданно воздух надулся
и вылетел в небо горяч и горюч.
Фадеев подпрыгнул, Калдеев согнулся,
а Пепермалдеев схватился за ключ.

Но стоит ли трусить, подумайте сами, –
давай мудрецы танцевать на траве.
Фадеев с картонкой, Калдеев с часами,
а Пепермалдеев с кнутом в рукаве.

И долго, веселые игры затеяв,
пока не проснутся в лесу петухи,
Фадеев, Калдеев и Пепермалдеев
смеялись: ха-ха, хо-хо-хо, хи-хи-хи!