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When I was least happy in life
When I was least happy in life my daughter led me across the road to a neighbour whom I did not know with the purpose of a toddler who does not see gates and fences but the ducks and puppies on the other side. You spoke to me in the same low murmuring tones you used for lame horses and bilious dogs. Crops, flowers and poultry were our theme: you made me tea and wiped the counter, you said ‘Foeitog’ and ‘I don’t hope so.’ You guessed. You told me I was beautiful, In the courtly way of an old man. One day when it rained you phoned from your side and said ‘I’m sending some ducks for Beatrix’ ̶ you always called her ‘Beatrix’ out the window we saw them, waddling over, in the way of ducks when directed by Oom Piet. You moved and I moved, but one thing stays: the sense of a rescue, somehow being saved.
When I was most unhappy in life my daughter took me across the street to a neighbor I didn't know with the determination of a little child who doesn't see barriers but only the ducks and puppies on the other side. You spoke to me in the same gentle tones you used for sick horses and dogs. We talked about crops, flowers, and chickens: you made me tea and cleaned the counter, you said ‘Poor thing’ and ‘I hope not.’ You understood. You told me I was lovely, In the polite way of an old man. One rainy day you called from your house and said ‘I’m sending some ducks for Beatrix’ ̶ you always called her ‘Beatrix’ we saw them through the window, waddling over, like ducks do when guided by Uncle Piet. You moved away and I moved away, but one thing remains: the feeling of being rescued, somehow being saved.