The Fate of the Lizards of Sarajevo
Among the apertures in the stone fences
We were adjusting to the heat of the sun.
The paving stones of the streets of Sarajevo
Warmed us to consciousness.
On our belly we crawled and breathed
The fresh-cut grass of the lawns of the graveyards,
Until one day when we suddenly heard
Strange noises which frightened us
Into our hideaway holes
And while running away
We thought:
If we are destroyed
By creatures killing one another,
At least our fate will be mutual
And we shall die with the others.
We were adjusting to the heat of the sun.
The paving stones of the streets of Sarajevo
Warmed us to consciousness.
On our belly we crawled and breathed
The fresh-cut grass of the lawns of the graveyards,
Until one day when we suddenly heard
Strange noises which frightened us
Into our hideaway holes
And while running away
We thought:
If we are destroyed
By creatures killing one another,
At least our fate will be mutual
And we shall die with the others.
Written by Moshe D. Shafrir-Stillman