1. I saw a handsome boy, radiance shining in his eyelashes
I said, “Winter is imposing itself on us,

2. and coal has run out even when plentiful.”
Is there a cure for this affliction?

3. You said, “Close the school.”
I said, “A small child who loves open spaces

4. and hates what isn’t natural for him.”
And I saw a thief in the corner,

5. looking often toward the mansions,
I said “Our homes lack coal,

6. and coal means fire and light.”
He said “Your icy nights

7. will pass but only by demolishing prisons.”
I said “A wretched sort, wretched indeed,

8. struggling for the sake of his freedom.”
And I returned to a wealthy man,

9. renowned, owning his mansion,
I said “A secret remains secret

10. when people face hardship,”
So what do you think?” He said “Make do

11. with the cold, complaining is no use.”
I realized the rich man’s boy

12. was miserly, fearing for his wealth.
And I saw a very cautious man,

13. so I went to unburden my distress to him
He stared until I saw sparks

14. rushing angrily toward my brain,
and he shouted “This is war! The root of danger!

15. Return the swords to their sheaths!”
I said “An enemy, lacking in shame,

16. fearing harm upon his country.”
He was once a candidate;

17. I complained to him of the world’s upheaval.
When I asked for an answer, he cleared his throat

18. And said “Barbering is the root of evils.”
I said “Surely the candidate jests.”

19. And still I remain distressed and confused,
like an airplane in a gust of wind,

20. until I looked at his beard.