Jacek Kaczmarski - Zegar

The Shouting: “Freedom!” – forge their chains
The Shouting: “Bravery!” – tremble in fear
Who cries: “Memory!” – does not remember
To those shouting: “Grace!” – the gallows appear in dreams

“Wisdom” – bends the fool’s tongue
“Honesty” – lauded by the betrayer
The madman calls for peace
The cannibal – for a vegetable diet

In the clock wound daily
The hands have long fallen off
And the weights of unknown events
Swing the pendulum to uncertain ends
In the clock wound daily…

To those shouting: “Strength!” – their voices crack
The Shouting: “Loyalty!” – have betrayed it all
Who cries: “Truth!” – often lies
The Shouting: “Greatness!” – are so small

“Transparency!” – declares a voice from hiding
The cheaters demand rules of play
They vote for the death of life's defender
And summon faith – without believing

In the clock wound daily
The hands have long fallen off
And the weights of unknown events
Swing the pendulum to uncertain ends
In the clock wound daily…

The degraded cries for dignity
Pride adorned in robes calls for repentance
For silence pleads the bell ringer
For honour calls a bulletproof brow

“I!” – squeaks, crushed into the crowd
“We!” – those who fear their own desires
The one who reveres love – unloved
The one who hopes – ties the noose

In the clock wound daily
The hands have long fallen off
And the weights of unknown events
Swing the pendulum to uncertain ends
When time’s thread knots –
It will begin to strike…