Samuil Marshak
The piglets

A sow went for a walk one day
With all her family.
The happy mother said Oink-Oink!
The piglets squealed Ee-Ee!

Then one of them, who squealed the most.
Said, “Brothers, can’t you see:
All grown-up porkers say Oink-Oink!
How can we squeal Ee-Ee!

“Who said we’re worse than grown-up pigs?
Now listen, friends, to me!”
Poor thing, he thought he’d say Oink-Oink,
But really squealed Ee-Ee. . . .

Since then the piglets ceased to root
And frisk about the lea
And all because they couldn’t Oink,
But only squealed Ee-Ee.

My boy, this story has a point
As clear as clear can be.
If you’re too young to say Oink-Oink,
Then boldly squeal Ee-Ee!

Translated by Dorian Rottenberg