Piccolo Attila

Summer started a year ago
and we were calm
when we entered laughing into a meadow
that was already swarming with strange people.

We sat down and behind us
only the grass stretched out
but a hundred jackals
were slithering in the darkness.

A thousand stars were shining in the sky
tall trees all around us
dulcet ancient songs were playing
Little Attila was speaking to us.

And he spoke of green meadows
that glistened with dew in the sun
and warriors on horseback were singing
the songs of ancient heroes.

We all stood up and in front of us
the jackals were already restless,
advancing sneering already sure
of chasing bare backs.

But Little Attila's hand
rose against the starry sky
spreading terror as it descended
the dark horde no longer laughed.

And with the force of a raging river
we charged and the earth beneath us
resounded trembling and the trees
swayed in the wind.

And never again, never again will that meadow see
an evening like a year ago
the Company will never dissolve
but some are no longer on the road.

Like an eagle he now flies
smiling at the stars and even higher
and his flute playing will guide us
towards the dawn that is already secure.

Summer started a year ago
and we were happy
when we left laughing from a meadow
that almond-shaped eyes will not forget.