I would like to thank most sincerely my fellow Croats for everything they have done over the years to help me ditch the last ray of hope for the entire species.

Addendum I (March 4, 2011)

This haiku has given me quite bit of joy since yesterday around noon, when I penned it. While my beloved is at work, I pace around her apartment in central Zagreb and recite it over and over again. I go slowly, slowly. I relish every single word. And I speak in a grave voice with my eyebrows slightly raised for the solemn effect. I especially relish the word “ditch” each and every time I go through my sincere thanks. But the joy of reciting this haiku in front of a throng of fellow Croats will never be mine. Such is life.

Addendum II (September 3, 2016)

In defense of my fellow Croats, I must repeat one more time that the only reason my venom is directed toward them rather than any other people is that I happen to be living among them. Were I living among the Germans, say, my haiku would start with sincere thanks to them instead. In the end, my venom is directed toward my fellow humans, as is clear from the haiku itself. Still, I feel that this explanation is needed on account of the keen sensitivity my fellow Croats feel for themselves as a people. Forever on the margins of the civilized world, they may well misunderstand my innermost feelings, which have nothing to do with them. Alas! In this connection, I owe them my most sincere apologies.