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
