Albert Einstein 37 - a Visit To Berlin Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Before shifting back to Zurich, from Prague,
To take up the appointment at ETH,
As Professor of theoretical Physics,
Where Albert was a student of Physics earlier,
Formerly known as the Polytechnical Institute,
Now, Eidgenossiche Technische Hochschule, in Zurich;
Dr Einstein took a decision to visit his relatives in Berlin.
He went alone without Mileva and his sons.

This sudden journey to Germany,
Heralded a new direction in his personal life.
While he met his uncle and aunt,
He also met their daughter Elsa - his first cousin.
Albert's mother and Elsa's mother were sisters.
He had met Elsa when they were kids.
Now, she was married and divorced too,
With two daughters-Ilse aged 13 and Margot 11 years old.

Dr. Einstein was totally mesmerised by Elsa Lowenthal.
She was chirpy, cheerful, with bright blue eyes,
While Mileva was morose, cheerless and grumpy.
This contrast between Elsa and Mileva loomed large,
Weighed heavily and disturbed Albert's mind.
However, Dr.Einstein spent some happy moments
With his extended family and returned back to Prague,
With the image of the vivacious Elsa in his heart.

Dr. Einstein resigned from his job in Prague,
Returned to Zurich with Mileva and children,
To take up the new position in ETH,
And settle down to new, exciting work.
Little did Mileva know that Albert's mind
Was full of the spirited and charming Elsa!

Alas! Love has no logic or logarithmic precision,
Love moves at acute angles with absurd graphs!

A Biographical Poem