TUESDAY, 13 MARCH 2012 16:08

Two Poems for Our Time

 

The Paupers

From the Italian of Rocco Scotellaro (1923-1953)

 

How nice being paupers at Christmas

because then the rich are good;

how nice the crèche at Christmas,

having lambs

in the midst of lions.

 

 

The Police Dog

From the Roman of Trilussa (1873-1950)

 

Ran into a Police Dog the other day.

        Said I, ‘How’s it going?’ Said he, ‘Okay,

        Every thief I run into I put away.                                                              

        It’s by smell I detect them, my friend.

        This nose of mine is their end.’

 

Just then a fat banker strolled by,

        The sums of whose thefts were untold.

        Addressing the Dog, ‘Smell that odor?’ asked I.

        ‘Thing is,’ feigned the Dog, ‘I’m down with a cold.’

 

This Police Dog I met on my journey

        Will soon be made District Attorney.

  

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