An Evening

A translation of a poem my father wrote in Low German for his parents, circa 1972.

Do you recall, dear Helen, when we sat in our yard last September
In the darkening evening, with shade of deep green?
How the night violets emitted a fragrant sheen,
It was an interlude above all others to be remembered

The nightingale was singing her soothing evening song,
as we sat hand in hand and simply listened;
Life was laughing around us, and our hearts glistened,
Scenting the blooming flowers in the place where we belong.

Come sweet, let us once again give each other our hands,
And quietly consider what life has brought us to
Now that Autumn has descended like a curtain:

For us, I think of our simple golden wedding bands:
They have endured, as we remain together, this last while too,
And our encircling love, will ever be sure and certain.