Жапырағы қуарған ескі үмітпен

                                      Я надеялся – листья надежды желты

I hoped—the leaves of hope are shed.

I dreamed—my dreams were all deceit.

It pains my heart when I recall

My tale of ruin and defeat.

It was a life of empty dreams.

I wish I never dreamed at all.

For now the strength has left my arms,

The warmth of hope has left my soul.

Give faith to men? Mirages—they,

No peace, no truth will men accept.

They cheat and follow beaten ways,

The word they give is never kept.

Translated by Dorian Rottenberg