The poets have arrived. My place filled to the brim with paper and books now houses two more poets one from Bretagne France and one from Essen Germany. Wilfied Bienek presented his poetry in German and English, and translations of his work were read in Dutch and English. Fred Schywek presented his latest volume of Poetry Felsenleiter
They were flanked by the translations by Annmarie Sauer. Bart Stouten, Olivier Cousin, and JOb Degenaar shared thoughts about German poets.
A German translation by Fred Schywek of Frank's poem was also read. The audience listened appreciatively to the change of language and moods that was offered. The following tribute by Fred Schywek to the only German Nobel prize laureate for poetry Nelly Sachs was performed.
God is Black
Memory of Nelly Sachs
That is a real death-dance
all moan and groan
and during the year of punishment
that is there on the horizon
with its hard mountains
and the water
out of the salt cried tears
of these nights
on the ferry over the Black Ocean
over the black river
in the stronghold where there was love
in the night between the stones
like dark diamonds yet shining
in this night
when I left my dearest
when I went
to kiss her
on her brow
by night in this night
waking up from the
white dream
of year 1
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Beautiful poem for Nelly. Great apartment!
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