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88 ✦ vladimir mayakovsky Schematic of Laughter The wind was howling and knew not about whom, inspiring trembling in our heart. Along the tracks walked a peasant woman with milk, along the railroad tracks. But at seven o’clock sharp, in due form, tearing in full career from the Oka, its lights flashing behind the signal-posts, an express train takes off. The woman would have been mutilated— in vain the hundred whistles bellowed— but a peasant man with mutton was there, and let her know just in time. To the right went the woman, to the left went the train. If not for the man, it would have cut her in half at the waist. The smoke has now disappeared behind the stars; the woman and man are gone. We will pay tribute to our hero, winging up above the workweek. Though he came from the dregs of the nation, he saved her in broad daylight. Long live the average guy who trades in mutton! Let the sun shine in the darkness! Burn, you stars, at night! And long live both these and those— and everyone else besides! 1923 the soviet years ✦ 89 ...

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