"Ova Signora" When the Italians occupied Asmara We saved a few chickens In the old district four. They got fat on the cheap barley, So we weren't totally poor. We sold their eggs White as fine plaster: "Ova, Signora. Ova, Signora," Till our throats were sore. Thanks to those chickens we survived While General Baldisera, fortified for war, Ate omelets.