Sl’ozy
Sl’ozy,* slezy,** tears
Are one and all the same;
Examining their differences
Belies their causal pains,
For tears cannot be justified,
Whatever others may say;
No matter where you’re from
Their bitter taste’s the same.
And though many tears have fallen,
It’s still far from over yet;
Who will weep the longest
Is still anybody’s guess.
But when the time for tears is over
And peace once more returns,
The world and all its nations
A hard lesson each must learn;
For wherever tears are falling,
Do not blink, turn or look away;
Though today it’s not your turn cry
There still may come that day.
* ‘Sl’ozy’: tears (Ukrainian)
** ‘Slezy’: tears (Russian)