Gert Strydom Poems

(after William Butler Yeats)

The world is in pieces, it falls apart,
when darkness wants to bring annihilation,
...

(for Annelize, in answer to Lina Spies)

Outside lightning-bolts flash down blue-white,
and in the bright sunlight the rain pours down
...

From the dress-rehearsal at the Red-Grave
I know that eleven thousand troops are taking part
in a victory parade with patriotism at heart,
where the military is shown as strong and brave,
...

1
Arlena Barsecova in the Ukraine
near Kiev as a pensioner aged seventy,
gave reports that to Russian movements appertain
...

1(for Annelize)

Between us there is no maze
where constantly we find each other,
...

(for Annelize)

In days that are grey and dark
you still remain in my most lovely memories,
...

A Russian soldier lobs a hand-grenade
into the front door of that beautiful house.
Russians enter the house full of hatred,
drag and shoot Oleg before their questions begin:
...

(for Annelize)

When in a moment love is eternal
it gives light to the darkness of the world,
...

On the white beach I see you kneel and pray
and I wonder what you are asking from God, who is omnipotent,
across the water the hot sun gleams white
and it's as if your sincere prayer has power.
...

(for Annelize, in answer to Lucia Welz)

There lies as world between then and now
where I now look at your photographs,
...