Dads stories

April 6^th 2000.

Total stillness rules the ocean

Without movement in the depth

And concerned the seaman sees

Smooth like glass the quiet sea
not a whisper of a breath

Deathly silence fills with dread

And in that unending breadth

Not one email lifts its head.

(see below for original in german – when translating poetry it is more about catching the feeling than using the same words!!)

Dear Harald,

I know exactly what you are up to. You are biting your nails! I have just read it in the News. But these german boys are still full of hope. Well, let’s wish them all the best.

Do not worry about the mail. There will still be time next week!. But when you write, please don’t forget you were going to ask a favour of me.

Gerd returns from Adelaide (Tennis) next Tuesday. Then I will ask him re Paris. I think he leaves end of May.

Otherwise everthing is ok. Hedwig and I are dragging our feet a bit. Some sort of virus seems to be playing shenanigans with us. But it doesn’t know our enormous patience. It all depends who will last the longest. I have applied for Tai Chi. Will start end of the month. I am almost becoming glued to my armchair.

Unfortunately I can’t comment on the Tennis, I don’t know the foggiest about it. Our family is non-sportly. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Otherwise I would not have become glued to my armchair.

All the best. Have fun! Greetings. Peter.

German version of poem:

Tiefe Stille herrscht im Wasser

Ohne Regung ruht das Meer.

Und bekümmert sieht der Schiffer

Glatte Fläche ringsumher.

Keine Luft von keiner Seite!

Todesstille fürchterlich!

In der ungeheuren Weite

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