What the Gypsies Told My Grandmother While She Was Still a Young Girl

War, illness and famine will make you their favourite grandchild.

You'll be like a blind person watching a silent movie.

You'll chop onions and pieces of your heart

into the same hot skillet.

Your children will sleep in a suitcase tied with a rope.

Your husband will kiss your breasts every night

as if they were two gravestones.

Already the crows are grooming themselves

for you and your people.

Your oldest son will lie with flies on his lips

without smiling or lifting his hand.

You'll envy every ant you meet in your life

and every roadside weed.

Your body and soul will sit on separate stoops

chewing the same piece of gum.

Little cutie, are you for sale? the devil will say.

The undertaker will buy a toy for your grandson.

Your mind will be a hornet's nest even on your deathbed.

You will pray to God but God will hang a sign

that He's not to be disturbed.

Question no further, that's all I know.