Chumaks

Men in the army don’t get mead; they don’t get much water, either. I joined to fight against the Turks, but they made me guard the wagons. The wagoners kept dropping as they urged their oxen through the mud. I couldn’t guard against the plague. I could only ward the vultures off the corpses. They died after pecking the corpses. If I could only fly, I’d tell my father he’ll get a little compensation when I die, and I’d tell my girl not to wait for me.