Vladimir Vysotsky — The letter

I couldn't bear my first term in the camp,

So they will add a year or two (Don't argue with them!

Please write me, dear fellows, if you can:

"How goes it there in the world of freedom?"

What do you drink ? We don't drink anything,

All we have got is snow in sunny weather.

Please write to me about everything,

It's boring here, and I need your letter.

I miss you all, and it's been years on end,

I'd like to see your dear smiling faces,

How is my sweetheart? Has she got a friend?

No? Tell her she must write me a few phrases.

It is as dreadful as the Trial of Ordeal.

Your letter is a thread which mustn't fail us.

They will not forward it to me, I feel,

But write me anyway, my dear fellows.