2 minute read
GERMAN POEMS
Merry Wishes & Happy Holidays
May this festive season lift your spirits with enough joy to carry you through the new year!
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Season’s Greetings
English: There in the wintry forest the wind blows a ock of snow akes like a shepherd, and many a r-tree guesses how soon it will be pious with holy lights, and listens. Towards the white path it stretches out its branches, ready, and braving the wind and growing toward that one Night of Glory.
Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) was an Austrian poet and novelist, often recognized as one of the best German language poets. His writings evoke strong emotions, and, in my mind, “Advent” has always perfectly wrapped up the excitement that is felt by many during the holiday season. Despite the cold and dark season surrounding them, the holidays have their unique way of bringing warmth and glad tidings. “Advent” is a welcome reminder to slow down and enjoy the anticipation of an otherwise hectic and nancially draining season. Enjoy the little things.
by Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff. Translation: Barry Tobin
The market and streets stand still and ghostly, Each house in all the silence glows, Along the lanes my thoughts come with me, As the festive spirit ever grows.
In every window a housewife places A toy with colours of faith a gleam A thousand children’s enchanted faces Silently wonder their happy dream.
Now away I wander beyond the wall Out to where the elds are free, To towering beauty, to holy awe, To the grand and silent world I see!
The stars weave round and all the spheres And in that solitude of snow Are songs such as an angel hears –And oh, the time of grace I know.
Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788-1857) was a German poet, novelist, and playwright. Many of his works have been widely popular throughout German history, up to and including modern day. “Weihnachten” uses vivid imagery to remind me of a time when life was simpler, my age was in the single digits and Christmas was a time of childlike wonder and comfort. A big part of the Christmas (Weihnachten) season in Germany are the Weihnachtsmarkts, which are mentioned in the poem. Weihnachtsmarkts are large-scale open air markets full of food, drink, and other festive items.
May your holidays be full of warmth and cheer
