Linos Kokotos / Λίνος Κόκοτος

In the ashtray of my life
cigarettes, witches and dragons
like a train car of immigration
which leaves for years and wounds

Like the first day of school
like a rotten ship left on the shore
a letter that was not sent, hidden away
laughter hung on the wall

To whom shall I give my life
how much will my soul, too, understand.
Christ, how alike we are, both of us
as we hold our cross.

Hold on tight, catch the wave
to make that first step
to break every one of your masts
go to war, you, like the rebel

(translation: Eva Johanos)