Denitza Dilova-Markova

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The Villain Poets are mentioned as early as in Borges' "Universal History Of Infamy", where ancient coins with engraved Persian distichs are described. Traditionally, the Villain Poets violate Clause 1 of the World Poetic Agreement, which states that poets must write on paper. The Villains write on everything but paper.

At the beginning of the 20^th century they appeared in Sofia - a few manhole covers were found in the heart of the city, violated with poetry. One winter evening, just a year before the end of World War II, a culprit was almost caught by the Police. The Villain Poet was spotted lifting the cover from one of the sewer manholes, but, unfortunately, the criminal managed to escape. He must have been very strong, for he carried the heavy cast-iron cover with him. He was also arrogantly brave - the next morning the cover was back in place, however, with craftily chiseled verse on it. The words were cut so well, it was immediately obvious that this Villain Poet was one of the most dangerous: he had masked himself with some quite ordinary, respectful profession.

Finally, a Villain Poet was arrested at the beginning of 21^st century. Unfortunately, it was partial success... the culprit committed suicide before he was sentenced. We are talking about Dr. Vladimir Rupkin, an ophthalmologist, who inscribed verse with a laser on the retina of a female patient. It was suspected that the criminal and his victim were not indifferent to each other, for the victim declined to testify in court, excusing herself with inflammation of the eyes. There was a rumour circulating, and many were convinced of its truth, to the effect that when the victim heard of Rupkin severing his carotid artery in jail, rivers of tears poured out under her bandaged eyes.

© Denitza Dilova-Markova
© Vesselin Vesselinov, C. Hasbrouck, translated
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© Електронно списание LiterNet, 01.09.2010, № 9 (130)