Pushkin scented Life

So much of life I have neglected

In following where pleasure calls!

Yet were not morals ill affected

I even now would worship balls

I love youth’s wanton, fevered madness,

The crush, the glitter, and the gladness,

The ladies’ gowns so well designed;

I love their feet--although you’ll find

That all of Russia scarcely numbers

Three pairs of shapely feet…And yet,

How long it took me to forget

Two special feet. And in my slumbers

They still assail a soul grown cold

And on my heart retain their hold.

~ Alexander Pushkin, Eugene Onegin

Mark Alexei