Bernd
Unable to contemplate it may not last,
I, chiefly, took your presence for granted.
Your precious oddity, just one of your class,
Your uniqueness, had my preferences slanted.
Every fait accompli does render us blind
And fate’s agenda may set us behind,
Like the digital message on my phone,
That you passed away and left me alone.
Your drama, on the other side of the globe,
Evolved without my participation.
Far removed from my emphatic probe,
Your heart succumbed to life’s stern probation.
Having admired you over the fence,
Your wisdom, stamina, diligence,
The one thought, that caused me little concern,
Was that meeting the reaper could have been your turn.
Although cultural brethren, we found little to share.
Your ideal was the rule by authority.
Equity, freedom were my pillars for care.
So often, we quarrelled with tenacity.
Our mutual disdain for ostentation
And respect for solid argumentation
Ensured, in the end, we gradually found
For rewarding discourse, a common ground.
I enjoyed your presence in Africa
And admired your courage to drive on the Left.
During scorching heat, you showed stamina,
Concerned, that none of us would feel bereft.
We fathomed the world, each in his dominion,
And freely exchanged respective opinions,
How to emerge for a better tomorrow
From chaotic events, boding suffering and sorrow.
We carried our bane of the heart with pride
To make the best of the days that remain.
Self-pity, depression we jostled aside
In order to live life without a dark stain.
Now, the bell tolls for you the very last time.
Around the globe, I can’t miss its chime.
Find your spot in realms of eternity;
I keep one for you in my memory.
Peter Heinz Wendt, Jan 2025, Canberra Australia
