Gerald Jatzek is a poet and musician from Vienna, Austria, who writes in German and English. He published books for children and adults, short stories, plays for radio and essays. 2001 he got the Austrian State Prize for Children’s Poetry. His books have been translated into Korean and Turkish, his poems have appeared in anthologies and literature  papers in Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, the Netherlands and the UK. He runs a facebook page on poetry in several languages at https://www.facebook.com/jatzekpoesie/

Exam

 No phones. No other devices.
 Show your ID card. Read
 the agreement. Sign it. Receive
 your ID labels. Take a seat.
 Don't talk. Take the materials
 out of the envelope. Place
 your labels on every sheet.
 Don't ask. Ignore video
 surveillance, proctors, a father,
 a mother in your head. Oh, and
 finally, be creative. 

Who cares?

 I don't distinguish,
 says the virus.
  
 I count,
 says the census.
  
 I catch them where I can,
 says the virus.
  
 I count,
 says the census.
  
 I catch those that don't understand,
 says the virus.
  
 I count,
 says the census.
  
 I catch those that don't stay at home,
 those that can't afford delivery.
 says the virus.
  
 I count,
 says the census.
  
 I catch those that go to work,
 those in damp, moldy rooms,
 says the virus.
  
 I count,
 says the census.
  
 I catch those that use public transport,
 those that look after their grandchildren,
 says the virus.
  
 So, that's basically the poor,
 says the census.
  
 I don't care,
 says the virus.
  
 Me neither,
 says the census.