Optimistic Tragedy by Nikolai Tikhonov

Calmly he finished his pipe else

Calmly he wiped the smile from his face.

"Command, to the front! Officers, forward!"

The commander walks with dry steps through yard

And the words are level at full height:

"Anchor at eight. Course’s south-west

Who has a wife, brother, any pack  -

Write, we will never  come again back.

But there will be a noble bowling alley."

And the eldest in response: "Yes, captain,we obey!”

And the most daring and young  brother

Looked at the sun shine  over the water.

"What difference does it make where?

It is even calmer to lie in the water, swear!”

The dawn tapped to the admiral's ears at end :

"The order has been executed. No one was saved."

Nails should be made from these people:,told -

There would be no stronger nails in the world.