There are always ways of avoiding prosecution

for instance if you’re suffering from something akin to melancholia

or ― ideally ― you write paranoid verses such as

“Soldiers have eyes to see with’

or “Sergeant, I’m colour blind; I see the target as my heart’.

There’s ways.

But if you’re now certain in your mind that through bribery

you’re paying for another to have his own way

collect from every corner what remains of your despair

and steady

and composed

as a prompter

go whisper the words that need be enounced

by prosecutors and court-martial officers.

When in jail don’t count the days.

As you observe the forecourt narrow bit by bit

it’s best for you to shorten your own stride.

Best also you should make light of reports.

Ceremonies, party turncoats and elections

probably have as much effect on the passage of time

as the evening sea breeze

on coal miners lamps.

Then again if you can’t go on living without hope

build your dreams upon earthquakes,

These ― everything’s possible ― may grant you

the lovely journey

of a transportation.

*Trnslated from Greek by Yannis Goumas. From http://www.poiein.gr