Ivan Elagin

Amnesty

Still alive is the man

who shot my father in Kiev

in the summer of 1938.

Probably, he has retired.

Lives now peacefully,

after quitting his regular job.

Even if that one is dead,

perhaps the man is still alive,

who, before the execution,

using thick wire,

tied my father’s hands

behind his back

He must be retired as well.

And if that one is dead too,

then perhaps the man is still alive

who tortured my father

during interrogations.

This one must have retired with very good benefits.

Perhaps the guard is still alive

who led my father to the place of execution.

If I wanted to,

I could return to my homeland.

I heard

that all these people

have forgiven me.