25th Wedding Anniversary
Marriage is not a boat
rowing merrily down the stream
It is a family car
that for years and years
surprisingly passed the MOT
The mechanic looks worried
asks carefully about
the possible possibility
of a new model
But you shake no
see you next year
we still like our ride
we do not care
about an extra rattle now and then
Fill her up with super plus
because we still have a long way to go
This is a Magpie Tale
It is a translation of a poem I wrote a year ago for the occasion of my own wedding anniversary. Here is the Dutch original
25 jaar getrouwd
Het huwelijk is geen bootje
dat zachtjes glijdt
op het spiegelend meer
Het is een familieauto die
voor het zoveelste jaar
met wat kunst- en vliegwerk
toch weer door de APK is gekomen
De monteur kijkt zorgelijk
vraagt voorzichtig
naar de mogelijke mogelijkheid
van een nieuw model
Maar je schudt nee
Tot volgend jaar
Hij rijdt nog lekker
We kijken niet op een rammel meer
of minder
Ik gooi hem vol met super plus
want we moeten nog een heel eind
I like the idea of a long marriage needing care and attention like an loved and comfortable old car and the commitment expressed as 'a long way to go'.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThe Dutch version is 'double Dutch to me'! :-)
It doesn't go merrily down the stream, does it? Wonderful write, Niels.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenlovely insights,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenfolks could take anything out of the prompt.
well done.
Love the depth and determination to forge forth on the paths, still holding on to those things cherished.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenRelationships really do need plenty of work to ensure smooth running.
BeantwoordenVerwijderensmiles. congrats on 25 years...and yes relationship take lots of work...few acknowledge or notice this though it seems...as 25 seems mor exception than rule...
BeantwoordenVerwijderenVery nice and so true. Keep on truckin' : )
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI like it you include the Dutch. I wish I was a speaker. My maternal grandfather emigrated from Holland. His name was Hartog Philippus Noordwal.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGreat poem - I prefer the Dutch version - the flow of the launguage just suits this.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWonderful comparison--the old car to the marriage. Nice one!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenMy entry for this prompt: http://charleslmashburn.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/he-was-a-ford-man-2/
Nice write - and congrats on the 25 years and enjoy the miles to go!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAnna :p]
I would like to thank everyone for the kind remarks; Mag 82 is out!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenhttp://waterdichter.blogspot.com/2011/09/magpie-tale-82-home.html
amazing write...
BeantwoordenVerwijderenHohoho,
What charming poetry you have posted here.
Invite you to share 1 to 3 poems with us, anything could fit the theme of object,
Cheers.
Hope to see you in.
Happy Writing..
xoxox