The guests were talking at a feast
and between the dances
let loose their wit.
They said: to be truly tolerant
you must accept everyone as he is.
Thereupon all had their say.
One shrieked from his corner:
I am the main thing,
the Jew may perish!
The others smiled every so sweetly.
In his own way
everyone may say
what he wants.
This is after all the principle
of tolerance!
Then again they startet to dance…
(From the German original translated by Mitch Cohen
Edited in BLUE IS THE COLOUR OF THE SKY
Sayeeda Publications. Madras
General Editor: Prof. Syed Ameeruddin)
(Sound arrangement by Max Berghaus, Germany)
Original in German language:
Toleranz
Auf einem Feste
parlierten die Gäste,
und zwischen zwei Tänzen
ließ man den Geistreichtum glänzen.
Man sprach, um Toleranz zu erfassen,
müsst man jeden seiner Fasson überlassen.
Drum ließ man nun jeden
die eigene Meinung bereden.
Zuletzt rief einer aus seiner Ecke:
„Hauptsache ich - Juda verrecke! '
Sie lächelten leise,
sie lächelten still;
Es konnt nach seiner Weise
jeder sagen, was er will.
Das schließlich ist Prinzip der Toleranz!
Und danach begann von neuem der Tanz...
One shrieked from his corner: I am the main thing, the Jew may perish! ...... tolerance ... an idea which is now so much relevant in germany.......... thank you for these thought dear poetess. tony
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Indeed, everyone may say what he wants. That's the basis of freedom of speech and tolerance. An insightful piece of poetry nicely penned with conviction. Thanks for sharing.