I am straining with every last sinew, But today is just like yesterday - Got me cornered, got me in view, And they’ll joyfully chase down their prey. From the fir trees, shots are bursting From the hunters’ guns hid in the shade, In the cold white snow, the wolves are tumbling - They’re living targets, a shooting arcade. The wolf-hunt has begun - it’s drawing nigh. Veterans and cubs - come on wolves, let’s go! The dogs bark ’til they’re sick; the beaters loudly cry Lines of red flags- and blood upon the snow. It’s as equals hunters and wolves begin, But the hunters’ hands will not shake. The line of red flags has blocked us in. So they beat boldly, make no mistake. There are customs wolves cannot break, Lessons learned as cubs our lives define. In every drop of mother’s milk we take, We suck the rule: "Don’t cross the redline." The wolf-hunt has begun - it’s drawing nigh. Veterans and cubs - come on wolves, let’s go! The dogs bark ’til they’re sick; the beaters loudly cry Lines of red flags and blood upon the snow. Our legs are fast and our jaws are strong - Why, leader, tell us why, we call? Why do they pursue us with shots so long - We aren’t breaking any laws at all. But a wolfs no choice; this is our law. So my time will end the same. And now the one I am intended for Lifts his gun, smiles and takes aim. The wolf-hunt has begun - it’s drawing nigh. Veterans and cubs - come on wolves, let’s go! The dogs bark ’til they’re sick; the beaters loudly cry - Lines of red flags and blood upon the snow. But I will break the red flag line - The thirst for life is stronger in me - And I hear with glee from far behind The startled cries following me! I am straining every last sinew, But then today is not like yesterday - Got me cornered, got me in view, But this time the hunters lost their prey. The wolf-hunt has begun - it’s drawing nigh. Veterans and cubs - come on wolves, let’s go! The dogs bark ’til they’re sick; the beaters loudly cry - Lines of red flags and blood upon the snow.
© John Farndon + Olga Nakston. Translation, 2022
© Anthony Cable. Performance, 2022