THE INFANTRY / Yuri Belash
[a literal translation]

They taught the infantry to fight.
They taught the infantry to kill.

With fire – from heavy rifles, on the run,
Let loose five rounds, at the familiar target -
The fierce and hated foe
In grey-green winter trench-coats.

With the grenade. Hold it a little while,
Then throw it thus -
So it falls near the enemy's foot,
And triggers its copper-yellow fuze.

The bayonet. One motion.
Not to deep – just half the blade.
There have been instances when bayonets
Stuck in the bone as though it were a tree.

The buttstock. Hit with your full swing
Into the face or collarbone.
Make sure your blow.
You miss – and we can't bet you'll make It.

The sapper shovel. Right under the helmet -
Just under it, into the temple,
Cut the strap,
The helmet will roll empty on the ground.

The Army boots. Into the knee,
Then he bends over – kick into the face.
Let the bastard drown
In his hot, salty blood.

And finally – with your bare hands.
Just drop him on the ground,
And, grinding your teeth in fury,
Then strangle him with these very hands!

The enemy – he must be fought.
The enemy – he must be killed.

С врагом необходимо воевать.
Врага необходимо убивать.