Zakopywanie Głowy [English translation]

(Impressions on an AFP photograph seen in Polityka, 29.2.2000)

A proper fair carries no importance 

without the necessary site of execution. 

The real bouquet of existence 

needs the sharp spice of abomination. 

A counter, gambling den and chapels 

and scaffold: that's life at its fullest. 

For full life's worth – death's paid tithes: 

there's a chaplain, the pit, and the sacrifice. 

A lush branch of man's neck welcomes 

The Tree of Knowledge all but sapless. 

A nameless blade will cut it down 

in cheerful clamour of the living requiem. 

We give remembrance to the middle ages... 

today perished another Chechen. 

Carrying, in disgust, his head on a spade 

- that's just another Russian private. 

The head of the Baptist, and Charlemagne's, 

of Danton's and of Thomas More's. 

In ravenous ground he'll bury it, 

and with it – its vain utopiae. 

As long as utopia's off the neck - 

it'll do well – on the market. 

The fair is on, without an act of execution

Life's taste would be low resolution

• Artist:Jacek Kaczmarski