A Christmas poem
By: Richard Brandenburger
As the second little bird from the homely nest
Now you also seek out in the world
So like your brother for Christmas
Take words of blessing with you
You went through hard times with us parents
Saw worry and sorrow and tears
Seeking solace and joy in vain
Your father’s way seemed rough then
And your mother a hurried being
The world appeared dark to you, and the days grey
You were often sad then
But think of us from afar and look back
Forget the dark hours
Until you find brighter light
See yourself on your father’s knees
Embraced by his arms
See yourself with him wandering through the fairyland
See yourself in trusting games with your brothers
With your father as a joyous third
Never were your questions too many
And asking was never in vain.
He taught you to think, and listen and see
He taught you to understand about things and people
And led you with patient, gentle hand
Lovingly through your childhood land.
And if you look more in this past
Your loving gaze will also find your mother
You see her, still young, happy and secure
Still untouched by life’s sorrows
Quick with words and quick in deed
Yet also quick with loving and helpful advice
--- The war came, that from hearth and home
Drove us all so horribly away
The worries came and went
Though one thing is and has always remained
We stayed devoted in suffering and pain
And remained loyal to each other
And our aging hearts also embrace you three
Like in the sunniest childhood hours
Now go, my child, out into the world
Take with you the certain knowledge
You still have a loving family home
Have parents who miss you
Who – if you live in happiness – will share your joy
Who – if things go wrong for you – will share your regrets
Who – if you are tired and feel pain
Will keep their home and hearts open
We ask you by the shine of the Christmas tree
Forget, not right away, and forget us
not quite
