Vasko Popa - I defend

 They'd bury my gaze

In the dust.

They'd rip the rose of smile

Off my lips.


I keep the first spring

In my chest.

I keep the first

Tear of joy.


They'd divorce me

From freedom.

My soul,

They'd plow my soul.


I defend

The sky in my eyes.

I defend

The ground on my hand.


My young fruits of joy

They'd cut.

Nightingales of songs

They'd shove into a wooden plough.


I won't give up

The sun in my eyes.

I won't give up

The bread on the palm of my hand. 





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