Zoran Pešić Sigma writes

Only Children Can Laugh During This Misery

Only children can laugh during this misery

unconscious that the dandelion they run after floats in the breeze for the last time

and white non-return poplar’s catkins drooping by a dried-up creek

the earth is hard as concrete

the grass remains yellow memory

and indestructible wheatgrass

it's time for bold people

but wherever you go it's the same

we used to prune roses

grow bonsai in pots

tomato peppers and peas in rows

they served to honor the skillful gardeners

young corn was cooked with silk

in the husks we used to bite it

imitated hungry rabbits

it's time for bold people

but wherever you go it's the same

apples were inviting us to autumn

we used to make brandy from untamed plums on the wooded slopes collect porcini

with excitement discover the lawyers' wig

chanterelle and parasol mushrooms

everything was good after the good rains

and now in a gray crash

it's time for bold people

find a life-giving source

the shelter of green happiness

provide a day of survival

in the madness cattle and livestock

wherever you go it's the same

only children can laugh during misery

--tr Danijela Trajković

Apple Harvest -- Walt Curlee