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Open Poetry #37
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May 4th - our day to mourn our dead
| Open Poetry #37 |
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May 4th - our day to mourn our dead |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands 
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Today on May 4, we mourn our dead from WW2 in The Netherlands by keeping two minutes of silence throughout the whole country at 20.00pm local time. In almost every city, town or village people assemble at graveyards or war memorials, laying down flowers. I wrote this poem in my native language two years ago and translated it for you into English. This afternoon I got this phone call from someone in The Netherlands asking if it was alright to use my poem at the opening of their two minute silence assembly, which made me very proud of course. One day each year it's quiet in my Land and in those minutes few we create a band A band connected to our past with people who are no longer there with people who we never knew with people who did care One day each year it's quiet in my Land and with the ones who left we create a band By their brave endurance they gave us peace to live Two minutes of silence is all they're asking for, so please Two minutes of silence for what they had to bear Two minutes of silence is all we have to share, with them ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eén dag per jaar, zijn wij stil in Nederland en in die paar minuten, smeden wij een band. Een band, met ons verleden, met mensen, die er niet meer zijn, met mensen, die wij niet kennen, maar die ons dierbaar zijn. Eén dag per jaar, zijn wij stil in Nederland en met hen die ons verlieten, smeden wij een band. Want door hun moedig dragen, kunnen wij in vrijheid alles doen. Twee minuten stilte, is alles wat zij vragen, twee minuten stilte, voor wat zij hebben verdragen. Twee minuten stilte, voor de mensen van toen. Like scattered leaves...my words will flow Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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| © Copyright 2006 Titia Geertman - All Rights Reserved | |||
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Precious words for those that can speak no more...definately not too much to ask...considering the pain that family members that loved them have endured...James |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
offering my two minutes, and a thank you for remembering those from days gone by what an honor, to have your poem read at such an occasion congratulations Titia |
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jody5 Senior Member
since 2005-12-21
Posts 876California, U.S.A. |
You must be so very proud. I loved your poem and I thought it was gread that you wrote it in both languages. This is also my daughters birthday so I will allways remember this date. Thank you for sharing Huggs Kimberly |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
A humble thank you my friend, martyjo |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Thanks for sharing this part of your culture with us. Very special poem here. |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
there is always such beauty in your poetry, drawing a clear picture of the marvelous life you live in that great land of yours, and this is no exception...enjoyed this and you. thank you |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Titia~ Your words do great honor to all who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country~ Bless you sweets~ *Huglets*  ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I remember this from before, Titia...and am very proud of you, that your poetry is being heard in your area. Your countrymen should be proud of your mindful, heartfilled talent. Knuffles! |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Ongelukkig, kan ek nie Nederlands praat of skryf nie (alhoewel ek dit taamlik goed verstaan - gesproke of skriftelik), maar ek wou so graag 'n kort boodskappie vir jou in Afrikaans skryf. Dankie dat jy 'n gedig vir jou dierbares, en dié van ander, geskryf het. Jy is self 'n dierbare mens. Ek dink jy sal sommige hiervan, of die meeste, of selfs miskien alles verstaan. Groete - Uil! [This message has been edited by OwlSA (05-06-2006 03:01 AM).] |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
this touched my heart Titia |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
James, thank you. In my country even the public transportation like trains, stop where ever they are, on May 4 at 20.00pm to be silence for those two minutes. Midnitesun, thanks. I discovered on internet it has been read last year too somewhere. Kimberley, it's always more difficult to translate a poem into English than to write one in English. Martyjo, thanks for taking the time to read it. Iliana, it is a very special time. Lee, you're sweet  Marge, thank you dear friend. Sunshine, thanks. Owl, I could read and understand your words very well, it's almost like Dutch. Thank you for addressing me in your native language and thank you for the beautiful words you wrote. Passing shadows, thank you. Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
This is a touching and beautiful tribute, Titia. I have so much admiration for your country that remembers and respects the brave men and women who answered the call when their country needed them. May they all rest in peace. Best to you, my Dutchie.... |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
How wonderful that your poem was used in the silent assembly, Titia and what a great tribute to you. The poem is meaningful no matter where we live or what language we speak. Thank you for sharing it with us. |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I am so glad you could understand the Afrikaans, Titia. I thought you would. It is actually my second language. In re-reading it, I saw that I had made 2 slips as I had edited part of it and had left in bits that should have come out. I have since edited it so that it reads correctly now. It is wonderful that even the trains stop. Writing the poem was a beautiful way of serving your country, and having it read out at the silent assembly is a very soul-touching way of enhancing that service. You must be very proud. Thank you for sharing it with us. - Owl |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
A lovely tribute, Titia. M |
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