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Aqui, o texto, gentileza de Alexander Kudriavtsev. O vídeo correu várias listas de tradutores.


FIVE THOUSAND WORDS
(Lyrics and music © by Sharon Neeman)

The clock showed close to quitting time; my desk was almost clear;
I thought perhaps I'd slip around the corner for a beer -
But the phone rang - and I answered - and a friendly voice said "Hi!"
It was the secretary of a legal firm nearby.

She said "Oh, please excuse me calling this late in the day,
But we have a new petition in a case that's under way;
Can you translate it tomorrow? Any time by five will do -
'Cause we wouldn't want to give the work to anyone but you:

It's: only:

Five thousand words for tomorrow at five;"
I thought "I'll do that easily; I'll scarcely have to strive,"
So I smiled and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
And you'll send a check on Friday?" And she said "You know we will."

* * *

I set to work at eight AM; I cut my lunch date short;
By five the stuff was ready to be filed before the Court;
I sent it off by email and I poured a cup of tea -
And the phone rang - and I answered - and a lawyer asked for me:

"I've just leafed through your translation, and I think it's very good,
And I'd like you to translate an affidavit, if you could;
It's the size of that petition - well, perhaps a little more -
And you know that I'd be grateful if you'd have it in by: four:

It's: only:

Six thousand words for tomorrow at four;"
I thought "I'll get up early; I've a longish day in store,"
And I shrugged and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
And you'll send a check on Friday?" And he said "You know we will."

* * *

I hit the desk at seven and I ate my lunch alone;
I never touched the Solitaire or gossiped on the phone;
At four o'clock I sent it off and shook my weary head -
And the phone rang - and I answered - and the junior partner said:

"I really have to thank you for a job superbly done,
And I'm sure you'll be delighted, 'cause we've got another one:
I've just finished my summation, and you know how glad I'd be
If your excellent translation could be on my desk by: three:

It's: only:

Eight thousand words for tomorrow at three;"
I thought, "It won't be easy: but I'll have the evening free,"
So I sighed and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
And you'll send a check on Friday?" And she said "You know we will."

* * *

I started at five-thirty, and my lunch was just a snack;
At three I typed the last few words and sent the email back;
I flexed my aching fingers and I silently rejoiced -
And the phone rang - and I answered - and the senior partner's voice

Said "You really are a wonder, and your talents are unique -
In fact, that's why we've kept you very busy all this week;
Now, I know that it's short notice, but I have to count on you -
For the Judge needs my rebuttal to be on her desk at: two:

It's: only:

Ten thousand words for tomorrow at two;"
I thought, "How can I tell him that it's just too much to do?"
But I groaned and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
And you'll send a check on Friday?" And he said "You know we will."

* * *

I staggered in at four AM; I never ate a bite;
But I got it done by two, although it was a trifle tight;
I was dizzy, I was queasy, and I thought I'd never budge -
But the phone rang - and I answered - and by God, it was the Judge!

She said, "I know you're tired, and I really hate to ask,
But there's no one in the city that can do this one last task:
For I've handed down my ruling," and she gave a modest cough,
"And at one PM tomorrow, the courier takes off:

It's: only:

Twelve thousand words for tomorrow at one;"
My mind screamed "No, Your Honor! There are things that can't be done!"
But the words came out "No problem; I'll just add: it: to: my: bill -"
And it's been four months since Friday, and the bastards owe me still!