Tadeusz Rozewicz - Letter to the Cannibals

Tadeusz Rozewicz, a renowned poet and member of the WWII Polish Resistance, died recently at the age of 92.

Dear cannibals
don't scowl
at a person
who asks if a seat is free
in a train compartment

Please understand
other people also have
two legs and a rear

Dear cannibals
just a second
don't trample on the weaker
don't gnash your teeth

Please understand
there are lots of people and there will be
many more move back a bit
make room

Dear cannibals
don't buy up all
the candles shoelaces and noodles
Don't say with backs turned:
I me my mine
my stomach my hair
my corns my trousers
my wife my children
my opinion

Dear cannibals
let;s not eat each other up Okay
because we're not going to be resurrected

Really

secret