Throw meat to the dogs and maybe they’ll fight. Give juice to the drunks and perhaps they’ll outdrink themselves. Lest the crows grow fat put up more scarecrows. To fall in love find a cosy corner. Throw seeds in the earth and perhaps the corn will sprout. OK, I’ll be obedient, but give me my freedom! They gave tattered meat to the dogs and they did not fight. They gave vodka to the drunks and they refused it. People scare the crows and the carrion crows have no fear. Couples get together when they should be parting. They watered the land and lo there were no ears of corn. Yesterday they gave me my freedom. What will I do with it?
© Richard McKane. Translation, 1989