Translation

Without a knock
By Attila Jozsef ( translated by Pieter)

If I become fond of you, you can enter my room
without a knock.
but think it over well,
I lay you down on my pallet, the swishing straw sighs with the dust.

I bring in fresh water with the jug,
before you leave, I’ ll wipe off your shoes.
nobody bothers us here,
you can patch our clothes peacefully .

The silence is big, I speak to you too,
if you’re tired I’ll seat you on my only chair,
if it’s cold you can take off your tie, collar,
if you’re hungry, you’ll get a clean paper
When something else turns up,
But then let me also eat something, , I’m always hungry, too.

If I become fond of you, you can enter my room
without a knock,
but think it over well,
It ‘d hurt my feelings if you avoid me for long after that.