The paper reflects on the absurd humour contained in Kafka's novel The Trial in two selected works of Russian literature. Using the example of two texts representing different genres (a short story and a poem) by Daniil Kharms and Vladimir Yermolayev, it shows how these two authors were inspired by this aspect of Kafka's work: in the case of Vladimir Yermolayev, the source of inspiration is completely unquestionable and is already referred to by the direct allusion in the title. The entire poem is then constructed as a lawsuit that originates, unfolds and concludes within the lyrical subject, which is the metaphorical Kafka himself. For Daniil Charms, the source of inspiration is unacknowledged, though obvious: Charms was inspired by one particular passage of Kafka's novel, which he altered in accordance with his poetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]