Albert Einstein 15 - Lieserl -Little Daughter Lost Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

In January 1902, Mileva gave birth to a baby girl,
In her parent's home in Novi Sad, Hungary.
Though Albert was not present,
Through a letter from Mileva's father,
He heard of the serious complications at delivery.
In a letter to Mileva, he expressed his sadness
For not being present by her side, in such a crisis,
And much concern about the pain she went through.

Albert was in such financial situation that
He was not able to make a trip to Novi Sad
To see Mileva or their new born daughter - Lieserl.
He could not afford even a train fare.
The only thing he could do was to write letters,
Constantly asking about the welfare of his daughter.

Days and months passed by.
Mileva remained in her parent's house with her little baby girl.
Albert continued to write loving, comforting letters to Mileva,
But never was in a position to mention marriage.
He was jobless and had no income enough to provide for a family.
Another reason being that he was afraid of his parent's reactions.

Pauline Einstein, meanwhile, had left no stone unturned
To continue her vehement hatred against Mileva.
Mileva tried her best to overlook Pauline's repugnant accusations,
To extend a friendly hand but was totally unsuccessful.
Mileva in a letter to her friend wrote:
'Mrs Einstein seems to have set her life's goal to embitter
As much as possible not only my life but that of her son……
I could not have thought it possible that
Such heartless and outright wicked people can exist.'

Life seemed so cruel to some innocent human beings.
Poor Mileva had to suffer so much for no fault at all.
The only saving grace was her parent's loving support.
Lieserl's birth was kept a dark secret due to its illegitimate status.
Her name was never registered,
Mileva never brought her child to Switzerland either.

In course time, less was heard of Lieserl,
No one knew what happened to the little baby girl.
Later, there was a lot of speculation and discussion
By Einstein followers and writers about Lieserl.
Hardly a year after she was born,
Lieserl had come down with scarlet fever.
It is not known whether she survived or died.

The bitter truth is
Albert never, ever saw his daughter.
Lieserl got lost!
In the wilderness of complicated human lives,
Their wretched errors,
Their bewildered emotions.
The story of lost Lieserl, shall ever remain a mystery!


A Biographical Poem