Will you open, will you open Just one tunnel through the creek? Have no fear, you are welcome For the wine and grilled meat feast. You could also bring your guitar, Once you’ve done adjusting pegs. Don’t forget before your visit First to dull your sharp-edged fangs. When you’ll figure that all roadways Always lead to holy Rome Then you’re welcome to move forward Then you visit any home. Drop your knife that you’ve been hiding, Cease your grudge against us all. For the fording, for the crossing, Bring a beam, at least a pole. Or by ford you might try crossing: Fords exist, if you look well; Or you try to cross by swimming: A good fame is yours to gain. With the sowing, with the moving, It is crucial to start. If you miss it, then it’s truly You will have spilt milk to cry. You would surely not be happy, When next morning you will find All new bridges were constructed With no help from your own kind. Will you open, will you open Just one tunnel through the creek Don’t forget before you walk in First to dull your sharp-edged teeth.
© Kirill Tolmachev. Translation, 2020