Covid-19: The General Speaks of His Sorrow
A poem in Irish and English by Gabriel Rosenstock, with image by Otto Dix called Wounded Soldier
Covid 19: The General Speaks of His Sorrow
by Gabriel Rosenstock
Self-isolation . . .
These bitter days
When can I send battalions
Of raw young men
To war
To crush their bones
And the bones of others
When will I see them again
Marching proudly
Shoulder to shoulder
Self-isolation . . .
These bitter days
The flash of bayonets
Is no more
Covid 19: Labhraíonn an Ginearál Faoina Bhuairt
Féinleithlisiú . . .
Na laethanta goirt seo
Cathain a bheidh mé in ann
Cathláin d’fhir óga neamhoilte
A chur chun cogaidh
D’fhonn a gcnámha féin
Is cnámha eile a bhascadh
Cathain a fheicfidh mé arís iad
Is iad ag máirseáil go huaibhreach
Gualainn le gualainn
Féinleithlisiú . . .
Na laethanta goirt seo
Splanc na mbeaignití
Ní fheicim níos mó
Gabriel Rosenstock
Gabriel Rosenstock was born in postcolonial Ireland and is a poet, haikuist, tankaist, translator, playwright, novelist, short story writer and essayist.