Dedicated to David Grossman

Father and Son

In a country of feuds
the father led
the son
into the centre of the pulsating heart.
Raised him
on a language
free from revenge
open for understanding.
 

Hate  
fired a new war.
No screams
tears
state funerals
will return the son
bombed to death
 

The father holds prayer
Far away from consolation
The son's small voice
Calls through his memory.
Far away from any answers
The questions fall silent
 

August, 2006, Milena, translated by Peter Pomeranzev, May 2011



Drawing by Philo Jöbstl, April 2011