Sailor's Language Lesson Poem by Uwe Kolbe

Once in a little town
which might have been ludicrous
but which like everywhere you took in earnest
because we have only one life
according to your humble
opinion.


All went along as usual.
You learned a woman's language
precisely question to question.
Two recognising each other
in this conversation,
made for it.


Once in a little town,
a really ludicrous town,
you got yourself involved
and gave answer
to her mouth and to her sex
and her tears.


But after closing for business
you had to move on,
writing her postcards
in your private language
long after your mouth
was speaking the next.

English translation by Mick Standen & Jo Tudor