Grenade, or Mistake

A grenade funny rattled in my pocket
Holdin’ the Red banner in my hand
A shaggy soldier stood on steps and blocked it,
Enter the HQ with no consent

I reported to him we were surrounded
He stood and laughed at me without a break
‘Get rid of this red scum!’, — somebody shouted
Another unbelievable mistake!

Eagles on my shoulders eagles sparkled in the sun
Holdin’ the White banner in my hand
A lad in a leather jacket sat with a greased gun
And at his elbow all the gallant band

I said I had a wish to serve the country
They sat and laughed at me without break
Some Jewish girl hissed: ‘Let’s kill this white scoundrel!’
Another unbelievable mistake!

A ragged sailor shirt covered my chest
Holdin’ the Black banner in my hand
The Makhno’s guard took me for an unasked guest
They promised me with laughter a quick end

And, crunching a carrot, formidable Father
Appeared on the porch as was himself
And pointed at a birch... It was another
And final unbelievable mistake