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Villanelle
Life Of Love
(written during my half-month visit to
the Netherlands)
This life of love, their humanizing touch
On precious lowland tended carefully
Is how I learned of happiness in Dutch.
On fietspad or at home, from hill to hutch
These people press it gently, plain to see
Their love of life, this humanizing touch
Is not in their possessions, comfort's crutch,
But, rain or sun, the laughter, always free,
Is how I learned of happiness in Dutch.
The flowers are "zeer mooi",* homes with such
Economy of space, yet perfectly.
This love of life, their humanizing touch,
Makes triumph of all trappings, culture's clutch.
The children, raised respectful, free to be,
Is how I learned of happiness in Dutch.
At supper, heads bowed silent say so much
Of work and play, of faith and trust, to me.
This life of love, their humanizing touch,
Is how I learned of happiness in Dutch.
*"zeer mooi" means very beautiful in Dutch |
