which blocked off our past –  

was ‘On, on!’

Our state emblem

was the hammer and sickle.

We were proud!

We were so proud

we were fit to burst,

the Soviet Union’s borders

couldn’t contain us.

Of course,

it’s better to boast

of the worker’s tools

than the soldier’s.

(Labour is indeed

the most sacred occupation).

… However,

their sharp sickle! –

was cutting down

people!

Not grass or crops.

(My blood

that flowed like water

was sucked away).

Their hammer

struck my head

and floored me.

My spinal column was smashed

and my shinbones shattered …

Why do we

keep deceiving ourselves,

saying this and that?

Their sickle

mowed us down

with such force –

we haven’t grown since.

When we talk today,

we boast that we’re all so valiant,

such heroes.

Oh God,

their hammer! –

Struck us down so far

that we are still

underground,

not yet pulled up.