Give some meat to the dogs Maybe they’ll fight. Give the drunks some kvass Perhaps they’ll fight each other. So that the crows don’t get fatter Place a much larger scarecrow. But so that the lovers love each other Give them seclusion. Throw seeds in the earth Maybe you’ll see some growth. Fine! I’ll be obedient But then give me freedom! They gave pieces of meat to the dogs But the dogs didn’t fight! They gave kvass to the drunks But they refused it. People scare the crows But the crows aren’t scared. People try to unite pairs, But they would rather be single. They poured water onto the ground, But there was no growth - amazing! Yesterday they gave me freedom What I am I going to do with it now?
© Robert Young. Translation, 2002