When I first did time I could not bear it, - I get an extra year, maybe - four... Lads, write a letter to me: What happens there in your free world? What do you drink there? We drink almost nothing. Here is only snow in sunny weather... Lads, write about everything, But here is nothing going on! I am missing you very much - I want to see your dear mugs! How is Nadyusha, with whom is she now? Alone? - then she also shall write. More terrifying, is maybe, - only the Day of Judgement! A letter will help me to remain alive, - Maybe they won’t give it to me, But all the same, lads, write! ..
© Elisabeth Jelinek. Translation, 2018