Albert Einstein 49 - Albert's Sons - Hans Albert & Eduard Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Dr Einstein loved children but what an irony!
He never could enjoy the presence of
His own children along with him during his life time.
They remained far away and distant from him.
Though he was a great humanist and a pacifist,
His critics felt that he neglected not only his children
But his wives - Mileva and Elsa too.
Most often, he was engrossed in his scientific work,
Or his other passionate pursuits, friendships or travels.
Is it destiny that played tricks with Dr Einstein?
It could never be neglect or indifference, because,
From the many letters he wrote to his sons,
And the financial support that he provided for them
Wherever he was stationed, it is obvious that
He was worried, concerned and cared for his children.

Hans Albert was born on 14th May 1904 in Bern.
It was a difficult pregnancy for Mileva,
But Albert was jubilant to be a father at the age of 25.
And accepted all the responsibilities of a father with joy.
He played with his toddler son - Hans or ‘Adu'
And taught him many games and puzzles.
Perhaps, this was the happiest period for Mileva & Albert.
Later, when his second son Eduard was born,
Albert was already a well-known scientist
And much involved with his professional work.
Eduard or ‘Tete' was born on 28th July 1910.
Though a bright child, Eduard was frail, sick and sensitive,
It was a difficult task for Mileva to raise the child all by herself,
Considering Mileva herself had many health problems.
Her elder son Hans too, needed her care and affection.

It is sad that Eduard was diagnosed with schizophrenia,
Just when he was only twenty years old.
His mother Mileva, looked after him to the best of her ability.
But after she died in 1948, after many years of illness and hardships,
Eduard was admitted into psychiatric hospitals in Switzerland.
Perhaps, his condition must have worsened
And deteriorated without the love and care of his mother!
In 1965, Eduard died in Burgholzi, Switzerland,
After prolonged mental illness. Einstein's biographer,
Carl Seelig, took an interest in Eduard while he was in the hospital,
Regularly visited him for which Dr. Einstein was extremely grateful.
He profusely apologised for his own negligence of his son Eduard.
With much regret, Einstein wrote to Carl Seelig:
" I believe I would rouse painful feelings of various kinds in him, if I were to make an appearance in whatever form.

A Biographical Poem