A Time Of Gentle Love Poem by Louise Tredoux

Es Ist Der Liebe Milde Zeit

I had a nightmare last night, dreamt I
was falling as I did on that recent hike,
again felt my head bump against the
outcrop of rock, woke up screaming

Told Rudi of the scary scene and he
held me tight, read a favourite poem
to me, Verklärter Herbst by Georg Trakl,
“Gewaltig endet so das Jahr

Mit goldnem Wein and Frucht der Gärten,
Rund schweigen Wälder wunderbar…
Es ist der Liebe milde Zeit…”
(Blissful autumn, crowned with fruit and

Golden wine, wonderfully silent are the
forests, a time of gentle love) and rocked
me gently in his arms, I still wanted to
listen to his resonant voice

But I slumbered feeling safe; looking for a
special treat to offer him; he makes my
life complete, what will kindle sparks of
joy in his eyes tonight?


Echtermeyer & Von Wiese “Deutsche Gedichte”
August Bagel Verlag Düsseldorf 1973. p.595