But could you? | Russian poems, but this is American rap

Vladimir Mayakovsky (1893–1930) was a Russian poet and playwright. Think of him as a revolutionary rock star of early 20th-century poetry. He didn't recite his poems — he shouted them like speeches at crowded rallies. His signature "ladder" verse (short, broken lines) and aggressive, rhythmic style directly influenced modern Russian rap. If Russian hip-hop had a grandfather, it would be Mayakovsky. Lyrics: But Could You? I blurred at once the map of humdrum, by splashing colours like a potion; I showed upon the dish of jelly the slanted cheekbones of the ocean. Upon the scales of metal fishes I read the new lips’ attitude. But could you now perform a nocturne Just playing on a drainpipe flute? Original: А вы могли бы? Я сразу смазал карту будня, плеснувши краску из стакана; я показал на блюде студня косые скулы океана. На чешуе жестяной рыбы прочёл я зовы новых губ. А вы ноктюрн сыграть могли бы на флейте водосточных труб? 1913