The Hyena

Here's a draft translation of nasty little children's poem by Sasha Chernyi that sends just the right message:

The Hyena

The hyena is a vile creature:
With its impudent muzzle
and hide sticking out of its nape.
Its back is all tangled
And it has rusty spots
On each side (What for is not clear).
Its stomach is dirty and bald.
It can be stitched into a lattice--a tail through a leg--
and its eyes are like that woman Baba-Yaga*.

And it is a pity to me...
Unless it doesn't have a problem with it?
Even a moth, even a crow
Can be nice and pretty.
Uncle Volodya's wife, Aunt Aglaia**,
Explained it to me:
“Why is it so nasty?
Because it is an ugly creature.”

1928

*Baba Yaga: in Slavic folklore, the wild old woman; the witch; and mistress of magic. She is also seen as a forest spirit, leading hosts of spirits.

**Aglaea: “shining, brilliant one.” one of the three Classical Greek Charities or Graces.