I was a fun-loving character

by Eduard Limonov
     translated by Anna Halberstadt

* * *

I was a fun-loving character
Then turned into a recluse and a pauper
I lost my job a while ago
and I’m just barely alive
All I need is bread and potatoes
and salt, water and tea
I use a teaspoon to feed myself
And I am skinny like you wouldn’t believe
But then I owe nothing to no one
and no one yells at me from early on
and if someone drops by at two
or half past any other hour — me, lying down

* * *

A cat of gigantic intellect
keeps staring into a black window
she still hasn’t learned how to speak
but she is full of ennui and insight

she dangles her many legs
swings and swishes her soft tails
And a man just grabs and
puts her on his knees

Two animals have struck a friendship
moved in together, see eye to eye
And love to play a dinner-making game
when evening light turns somewhat wild