Haldor Volcano
Childhood
Translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov
The cherry-trees bleed in sight.
Far away the whirls swirl around,
The cuckoo by the river side
Is lazy, not willing to count.
The sky is a pan and the sun
Is an egg to be fried in the heat.
To poplars and streams everyone
Is willing now to retreat.
Mirages roam on the lawns,
The tractors drop anchors on grounds.
Gurrak now droningly moans
Silence is longing for sounds.
A motor-bike, raising dust,
Comes rattling along up there.
The cook calls all to repast
Beating the plate of plowshare.
Clank! Clank! Clank! Clank!