Every term is over nowdays, And by the prison’s central door, That is nailed and shut, the note says: "Everybody’s gone to war." We are pardoned for our sins and crimes. Cuz that’s the way our nation works: When the Motherland falls on hard times, Everybody goes to war! It’s a good deal, if you’re loved by God Each sentence year counts for four! We’re now equal with our former guards: Everybody’s off to war. Our warden never had a heart, Always arrogant and sore, With his arrogance and soul cross-barred, He was also sent to war. And for that he wasn’t suited. Not so brave without his goons! One day he was executed For a self-inflicted wound. Afterwards, all scores were settled, And rewards to us were tossed: Those who stayed alive - the medals, And those that died - the wooden cross. And another wave of prisoners Can read now by the doors Our note, under glass preserved: “Everybody’s gone to war."
© Vadim Astrakhan. Translation, 2011
© Vadim Astrakhan. Performance, 2008