D. Kharms. Faddeyev, Kaldeyev and Peppermaldeyev

Faddeyev, Kaldeyev and Peppermaldeyev
once made promenade in the thickness of groves.
Faddeyev in ’ top hat, Kaldeyev in gauntlets,
and Peppermaldeyev with a key on his nose.

Above, in a squeaking cart, falcons were catching
an under-bow ride on an airy route. 
Faddeyev was itching, Kaldeyev was scratching
and Peppermaldeyev kicked back with his foot.

But all of a sudden the air's distended,
and puffed in the sky, deflagrable by heat.
Faddeyev went jumping, Kaldeyev went ducking,
and Peppermaldeyev got hold of his key.

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

And long after darkness they light-heartedly played
until it was time for the song of a 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!