Noormees läks, sest kohustus kutsus,
vormimaks aated tegudes [bad word] 
 Oota mind, muidu ma langen! 
Tõotused, lahkumissuudlused. 

Kas ootusest väsis või unustas end
või otsis vaid veidike lohutust  
tantsupeol lasi end suudelda.
See näis nõnda süütu ja ohutu.

Kurblikult kiunatas lõõtspill
ja tuled kustusid samas.
Teadis neid, et kusagil kaugel
ta peig, auk otsmikul, lamab.

---------------------

To Kiss Maid

The young man left, for duty called,
in order to mould the cause into loyalty with deeds.
 Wait for me or I shall perish! 
Solemn vows and kisses good-bye.

Fatigue of the wait must have gotten to her, or she plain forgot,
or was looking for some solace   
she let herself be kissed at a dance.
It seemed so innocent and harmless. 

The accordion uttered a sad wail
and all the lights went out at once.
The maiden knew that far away
her groom fell, his forehead pierced.