Heroes of The Revolution

HEROES OF THE REVOLUTION (for Gorky)


So you're returning to the land of the broken sun?
Boy, I bet you're glad to be back home...
Everything is as you left it: -
still half-done.


Life is joyous in the land of the broken sun!
We supply high-heels and soda-pop for everyone!
but the things our fathers fought and died for
are dead and gone...


Yes, they'll read your letters and they'll tap your phone,
And the cops'll break your face if they don't like your tone;
The whip has been reclaimed, but - we are realists! -
the lash goes on...


We'll give you vodka and we'll give you time,
The girls supplied will lie to you, but that's no crime!
Drink up, Maxim, and write a hymn to all
the good you've seen.


You'll praise the hangman as you wait to hang,
Write a poem to his wisdom, and his worker's hands:
The world you wanted's here - well, how'd you like it?
All men are equal in the prison and the camp.


They'll drag you out before the Golden Throne
- now, the Boss has plans for everyone -
And the Heroes of your Revolution
have all been shot,
or hung...
...or otherwise detained.