WAR MASK

(translated by Karin Pečnikar)

In the cavities of our chests we carry,

each our own, a little sea:

on this we rock our dreams,

and wait for the waves

to wash our happiness ashore…

In concern for our happiness

we put on a mask

with wicked eyes and ragged crest.

Even before happiness is born,

we are afraid

of thieves.

Fear has big eyes,

inventing evil out of nothing:

hands become gun barrels,

bodies like radar antennas,

twisted whichever way:

we spy, destruct,

kill, poison.

For happiness.