4 Kapitel übersetzt von Herbert Windolf Arizona


 deutsch - englisch
"Bei Trost sein" touched me most, Annemarie!

Bei Trost sein                                                     Gone mad

Sind wir Menschen noch bei Trost                       Did we people truly go mad
in unserem Tun                                                    in our doing
in unserem Lassen                                                in our omissions
noch bei Trost                                                      are we still sane
beim blinden Sprung                                           in our blind leap
über Grenzen in Zukünftiges                               across limits into the future
bei Trost in unserer Utopie                                  serious about the utopia
dass alles machbar sei                                         that everything is doable
die Natur verfügbar                                             nature at our disposal
der Mensch manipulierbar                                  mankind manipulable
sind wir Menschen noch bei Trost                      are we people still sane
in unserer Selbstvergötterung                              in our self-idolization
im Löschen der Hypothese  Gott                         eliminating the hypothesis of God
der tragenden                                                      the supporting one
die uns bei Trost hält                                          that keeps us sane

 Yours poetic friend Herb


Inhalt:
    Mein Adieu  -  Glückwünsche zum Geburtstag -  Zum Träumen - zum Schmunzeln  -  Schatzsuche am Strand von Fehmarn

                                                                                            
                                                                                     
Mein "Adieu"

                                             nach  Sommertagen 2012 / Summer Days 2012 in dear old Germany                                                                   

Annemarie und ihr Bruder

                                                                         Annemarie with brother Hermann

        “What we are arises through our thoughts. We make the world with our thoughts.” ( Buddha’s Wisdom)                                                                           

           
          Meine schwarze Ecke
                                My black Corner

           mit Leben gefüllt                                            filled with Life
           für einige Wochen                                          for a few weeks
           mit Reden und Lachen                                  with talking and laughing
           Essen und Trinken                                         eating and drinking
           das Leben zu feiern                                       celebrating life
           auf besondere Weise                                    in a special way
           mit Erinnerungen                                          with memories aplenty
           mit Nachdenken über die Welt                     contemplating the world
          und ihr Gesicht                                              and its face
          in ferner Zukunft                                            into the far future
          in besonderen Augenblicken                         in special moments
          auf einen Punkt zu kommen                          to agree on something
          im Lauschen auf Chopin                                while listening to Chopin
          und Schumann am Klavier                            and Schumann on the piano
          zur Abendzeit                                                as the sun slips away

 

         Ein Wiedersehen                                           A Wiedersehen

            wie ein Fest                                                    like a celebration
           unter der Sommer-Sonne                               under the summer sun
           im Anstieg der Zeit                                          in the progress of time
           eine Begegnung im Austausch                       a meeting and exchange
           im Reisen, im Reden                                      of travel and talk
           im Lesen und Nachdenken                            of reading and reflection
           in Atempausen mit Musik                               while taking a break with music
           am ausklingended Tag                                   in the fading day
           eine Begegnung auf Höhenwegen                 a meeting on high roads
           zu überschauen die Zeit                                 to survey the time
          die turbulente   sie zu entziffern                      the turbulent    to decode
          mit dem Lächeln   dem losgelösten                 with a smile    detached 
          einer wachen Distanz                                      in an awake distance

 

           Diese Freundschaft                                    This Friendship

            zwischen Bruder und Schwester                  between brother and sister
            bei schicksalhaft                                           upon fated
            seltener Begegnung                                     rare meeting
           quer durch die Zeit                                        across time
           diese Freundschaft                                       this friendship
           geschlossen in Gefilden                               made in realms
           des Denkens                                                of thought
           der Welterklärung                                         of understanding the world
           jenseits des Alltags                                      beyond the daily routine
           Unerfülltes zu erfüllen                                  to realize the unfulfilled
           mit Lachen                                                   by laughter

 

          Was zählt                                                      What counts

          sind die Lichtmomente                                  are the moments of light
          die den Tag überstrahlen                              that outshine the day
          die dich befreien von Frust                           which liberate you from frustration
          die dir die Sicht weiten                                  and widen the perspective
          für Dinge die dauern                                      for the things that last

 

           Die Kunst                                                     The Art

            den Menschen wahrzunehmen                    to discern man
            wie er ist und wie er sein möchte                 how he is and wants to be
            zu erkennen was sich verbirgt                      to recognize what’s hidden
            hinter dem Gesicht des Tages                      behind the everyday-face
            hinter dem Gesicht der Zeit                          behind the face of time
            die Kunst im Rückschauen                           the art to sharpen the sight
            im Rückspiegel                                             in the rearview mirror
            zu erkennen was blockt                                to recognize what obstructs
            was weiter bringt                                          and what moves ahead

 

           Immer wieder                                               Again and again

            über Schatten springen                                leap over shadows
            die dich lähmen                                             that paralyse you
            die großen, die kleinen                                  the large and small
            die den Tag verdunkeln                                that darken the day
            immer neu ankommen                                  that arrive anew
            auf der Seite des Lichts                                on the side of light
            m Sprung über dich selbst                          leaping beyond yourself

 

        Nah neben uns der Tod                               Next to us Death

            (Ulrike in Mainz)                                            (Ulrike in Mainz)

            Tür an Tür zum Leben                                  doors to life
            unser Anhalten heute am Tag                      stopping today
            dem Tod ins Auge sehen                              looking death in the face
            ihn zu streifen, ihn zu fassen                       to brush against it and grasp
            mitten im Tagesgeschehen                          amidst the events of the day

 

       .   Deine Tage                                                   Your Days

            im Wachsein zwischen den Zeiten              awake between times
            auf der Wegsuche                                       searching for the path
            zwischen Licht und Dunkel                           between light and dark
            deine Tage                                                    your days
            im Kommen und Gehen                               between coming and going
            unter dem einen Himmel                              under the sky
            unter Sonne und Mond                                 under sun and moon
            aufgehoben im bunten                                  kept in the colorful
            Farbspiel des Lebens                                   palette of life

 

           Wie geht das                                                  How does one

            über den eigenen Schatten zu springen         leap across one’s shadow
            sich freizuschwimmen                                    to swim freely
            im Pool des Lebens                                       in the pool of life
            abzuschütteln                                                 to shake off
           was hindert und hemmt                                  that which inhibits and impedes
           im Luftsprung                                                 in an aerial leap
           neues Land zu gewinnen                               to gain new land

 

         Frage bei Nacht                                          A question by Night

           Wohin ist dein Herzblut geflossen                 where to flowed your life blood
           quer durch die Jahre                                     across these years
           wie es sich verteilte                                       how it divided
           wie es sich verströmte                                   how it spread
           über die Kinder                                              over the children
           über das pralle Leben                                  across the fullness of life
           wie es weitertropft                                         how it keeps dripping
           peu à peu in die                                            little by little
           pulsierenden Adern                                      into the throbbing veins
           junger Gedichte                                             of young poems

 

           Wo ist die Waage                                       Where’s the Scale

            die zwei Seiten                                              that puts both sides
           ins Gleichgewicht rückt                                  into balance
           die schwebend                                              which, hovering,
           Gewichtiges klärt                                            clarify weighty things
           die geduldig                                                   which patiently
           den Gleichstand wägt                                   weigh on a par
          den stimmigen                                               the harmonious

 

           Erlebniswellen                                             Waves of Experience

            die dich weit tragen                                        that carry you far

            im großen Weltgefüge                                 through the world’s great fabric

            dich an neue Ufer werfen                              carry you to new shores

            dir Horizonte erschließen                              open new horizons

            im Lichtraum der Zeit                                     in the light of time

            Denkwellen                                                    waves of thought

            die dich bannen                                             spellbinding

            dich hochtreiben                                             uplifting

            dich in die Tiefe ziehen                                  pulling you into the depth

            Untergründiges zu entdecken                      to discover the hidden

            als Balance zum lauten Leben                     as a balance to loud life

 

           So viele Rätsel                                           So many Puzzles

            so viel Ungelöstes                                        so much unresolved

            im Los der Menschen                                   of the fate of man

            Aufbruch und Rückschlag                              departure and setback

            Verstehen und Nichtverstehen                    comprehension and incomprehension

            die hellen, die dunklen Töne                         of bright and dark tones

            ein Echo piano aus früher Zeit                      a soft echo from earlier times

            ein helles, ein dumpfes                                 a clear, a dull

            ein Lachen das blieb                                     laughter that stayed

            ein Weinen versteckt                                    a weeping hidden

            hinter den Wolken                                         behind the clouds

            ein Dabeisein, ein Fortgehen                       a presence, a leaving

            im ewig währenden Spiel                             in the eternal game

 

          Wie geht es weiter                                     How will it continue

            wenn nichts mehr kommt                              when nothing more comes

            wenn Stimmen verlöschen                           when voices fall silent

            wenn alles getan                                            when all is done

            wie geht es weiter                                         how will it continue

            wenn vor dir nichts ist                                    with nothing before you

            als ein mühsames Bergauf                           like a tiring uphill slog

            möchte sein                                                    would you rather

            du gewinnst einen neuen Blick                     gain new insight

            du wirst hellhöriger                                         become more alert

            und statt der Füße                                         and instead of feet

            tragen dich Flügel                                           be carried on wings

 

          Schräge Wünsche                                      Weird Ideas

            Ein Mönch sein, eine Nonne                        to be a monk, a nun

            Im Rückzug hinter den Tag                           to retreat behind the day                             

            anzukommen im Absoluten                         to arrive at the absolute

            hinter Chaos und Krieg                                 behind chaos and war

            dem kleinen, dem großen                            the small and the large

            hinter dem Alter, dem hohen                        behind old age

            in eine Befindlichkeit                                      in a state of mind

            die dich hebt wie ein Lächeln                       that lifts you like a smile

 

          Der Bruder                                                    The Brother

            halb Loriot                                                      half Loriot

            halb Philosoph                                               philosopher by half

            mit Vaters Kopf                                             with father’s head

            unter Weibes Hut                                          under a woman’d care

            tut ihm das Leben gut                                   his life not a dare

 

          Warum schreiben?                                     Why write?

            In Nebelwelten anhalten                               Stop in foggy worlds

            Lichtpunkte auszumachen                             to sight points of light

            das Chaos bannen                                       to bannish the chaos

            im befreienden Wort                                     through liberating words

 


  Herzliche Glückwünsche!   (Übersetzungen von Herbert Windolf)


Dörthe Rutkowsky-Berlin                                               

                       Komm                                                        Come      
                            lach mit mir                                                           laugh with me
                            wir leeben noch                                                     we are still alive
                            eingebunden in die Zeit                                         
embraced by time
                       komm                                                                    come
                            sing mit mir                                                          sing with me
                            finde den Ton                                                       find the tune
                            anzustimmen das Lied                                           start singing the melody
                            das stimmige                                                         the harmonious one
                            hinaus über die Zeit                                             beyond time

 

 

                   Feiertage                                         Festive Day

                     die Welt umfassen                                         that embrace the world
                     im Spiel  in der Feier                                     in the joy of celebration
                    Vorläufigkeit einbinden                                  to integrate the provisional
                    in den gültigen Augenblick                            into the valid moment    
                    etwas festhalten                                              hold something down
                    mit warmen Händen                                      with warm hands
                    das Leben neu zu erfassen                             to see the world anew
                    im Spielraum                                                 in the scope
                    krönender Feste                                             of crowning celebrations

 

            .        Dein Platz                                            Your Place

                    zwischen  Tür und Angel                                in a hurry 
                    immer im Aufbruch                                        always at the point of departure
                    zwischen Gestern und Heute                          between yesterday and today
                   immer unterwegs                                            always under way
                   zwischen Tag und Nacht                                 between day and night
                   halb träumend, halb wach                               half dreaming, half awake
                   dein Platz – ein Leben lang                             your place – for life
                  zwischen Heute und Morgen                            between today and tomorrow
                  zwischen Himmel und Erde                             between Heaven and Earth
                  festen Fußes – flügelleicht                               firm on foot, yet like on wings
                  anzukommen am Ziel                                      arriving at your goal



              Hannemarie  Rittich


             Ein Strauß für Deinen Tag                                        A Bouquet for your Day

               Eine Glockenblume für die Glücklichen                      A Bell flower for the happy ones

                 Eine Sonnenblume für die Lichtsucher                         A Sun flower for the seekers of light

                 Ein Vergissmeinnicht für die Freunde                          A Forget-me-not for friends

                 Eine Pusteblume für die Sicheren                                A Dendelion seed for the all too certain

                 Eine Schlüsselblume für die Suchenden                      A Primrose for seekers

                 Ein Zittergras für die Zaghaften                                  A Trembling grass for the timid

                 Eine Heckenrose für die Rastlosen                              A Dog rose for the restless

                 Ein Feuerdorn für die Übermütigen                             A Pyracantha for the cocky

                 Eine Goldrute für die Wegsucher                                 A  Goldenrod for the seekers of a path

                 Ein Tausendgüldenkraut für die Belasteten                   A Common centaury for the burdened

                 Eine Sterndolde für die Träumer                                 A Great masterwort for dreamers

                 Ein Glücksklee für die Kinder der Welt                       A Four-leafed clover for the world’s children

                 Ein Jelängerjelieber für Dich                                       And a The-longer-the-lovelier to you

         

              Wege nach vorn                                             On Trails ahead                                                                           

                Nie hörst du auf zu träumen                                         You never stop dreaming
                auf dem Weg nach vorn                                                on trails ahead
                es gibt kein Zurück                                                       there’s no way back to yesterday
                es gibt nur ein Weiter                                                   go on    you must  
                vielleicht an Strände                                                     maybe to beaches
                närrischer Vernunft                                                      of silly reason
                vielleicht an Ufer                                                         maybe  to shores
                vergessener Weisheit                                                    of forgotten wisdom

               

              Die Zähne der Zeit                                       The Teeth of Time

              Lass dich nicht einfangen                               Don’t let yourself be caught
                von den Zähnen der Zeit                                             by the teeth of time
                sie greifen zu                                                              they reach to grab
                nach stummen Gesetzen                                            following silent laws
                abzuzählen die Jahre                                                to count the years
                was aber zählt                                                          yet what counts
                nach beredten Gesetzen                                            by eloquent laws
                ist nicht zählbar mit Zahlen                                      cannot be counted
                mit Zahlen                                                               in numbers

               

               

Zum Träumen - Zum Schmunzeln             To dream – To smiie                                                                           

                                                                


Eine Brücke schlagen                                               I wish to build a Bridge                                                                                      

möcht ich euch  eine Brücke                                          across the dark chasms of the world

über dunkle  Schlünde dieser Welt                                  a golden one                             
eine goldene    die hält                                                   that lasts                             


Zwei Wölfe                                                                            Two Wolves

hab ich heut gelesen                                                                      today I read
wohnen  in uns Menschenwesen                                                   there are living in us hu
der gute und der böse                                                                    a good and a bad
sag mir bloß                                                                                    but tell me
welcher an der Spitze liegt                                                             which is ahead
der der das meiste Futter kriegt!                                                    the one who gets the most food            



Was fällt da vom Himmel                                                 What falls from the Heavens

staunt das Kind in der Früh                                                              marvels the child in the morn

entdeckt die weißen Flocken                                                            discovers the white flakes

mit Vergnügen                                                                                  with delight

wie sie verträumt zur Erde fliegen                                                    how they dreamily fall to Earth



Von Luft und Liebe leben                                                         To live by Air and by Love

Gegenüber auf dem Dach                                                                  Across on the roof

wirkt Frau Möwe munter                                                                     Mrs Gull is cheerily at work

da kommt Frau Koch                                                                          but there comes Mrs Koch

will sie vertreiben                                                                                to shoo her away

doch Möwenfrau will bleiben                                                              but Mrs Gull wants to stay

sie klammert sich ans Nest                                                                clings tightly to the nest

und tönt mit lautem Ruf:                                                                     sounding off loudly:

Lass mich hier                                                                                     Leave me be

lass mich hoch über dir                                                                      let me high above

von Luft und Liebe leben                                                                   live by air and by love



In allen Sprachen zuhaus                                                          At home in all Languages
(frei nach Harald Nash                                                                                                freely after Harald  Nash


Mutter Maus und Tochter                                                                        Mother mouse and daughter

vergnügen sich im Raum                                                                        have fun romping around

da kommt die Katz                                                                                  there comes the cat

zum Sprung bereit                                                                                   prepared to leap

und Mutter Maus                                                                                     and mother mouse

man glaubt es kaum                                                                               you won’t believe

vertreibt mit Bellen die Gefahr                                                                drives off the danger barking

und sagt zur Tochter weise:                                                                    and tells her daughter wisely:

Erlern der Sprachen viele                                                                       Of languages learn many, dear

 für deine Lebensziele                                                                             be they far or near




Wie aus einem Guss                                                                               Of one Casting

wir kommen von weit                                                                                           we come from afar

wir gehen zu zweit                                                                                               we walk together

geradaus in die Welt                                                                                            straight into the world

wir fragen, wir suchen                                                                                          we question, we search

den Weg für die Füße                                                                                           the path for our feet

für den Kopf, für das Herz                                                                                     for our heads, our hearts

wir suchen Halt                                                                                                      we search for support

an der Hand eines Engels                                                                                     by the hand of an angel



Komme was wolle                                                                                 Come what may

wir stehen zusammen                                                                                         we stand by each other

und halten uns fest                                                                                              and firmly hold on

wir sagen Ja, wir sagen Nein                                                                              we say Yes and say No

wir trauen der Sonne                                                                                           we trust the sun

wir winken dem Mond                                                                                          we wave to the moon

wir singen ein Lied                                                                                               we sing a song

und knüpfen Fäden zum Himmel                                                                        and tie strings to the heaven

dass uns das Leben gelinge                                                                                for our lives to succeed



Das Mondlied                                                                                          The Moon Song

Der Mond auf meiner Decke                                                                              The moon on my blanket

er leuchted mir zur Nacht                                                                                   illuminates my night

ich schlaf in seinem Lichte                                                                                 I sleep in its light

und weiß er hält die Wacht                                                                                and know it keeps guard

mag kommen was da wolle                                                                                for to come what may be

solang die Welt sich dreht                                                                                 for as long as the world turns

zur Schlafenszeit                                                                                                 during bedtime

der treue der Mond am Himmel steht                                                                  the faithful moon, high in the sky



Die Weihnachtstür                                                                                 The Door to Christmas

verschlossen ist                                                                                                   locked

da lugen sie                                                                                                          now they peer

durchs Schlüsselloch                                                                                           through the keyhole

zwei kleine Mädchen                                                                                            two little girls

ganz gebannt                                                                                                        spellbound

vor einem Ausschnitt Wunderland                                                                       at a part of wonderland

sie weichen nicht zurück                                                                                      they do not withdraw

für keinen Augenblick                                                                                           not for a moment

bis die Weihnachtstür                                                                                           until the door to Christmas

in dieser Nacht                                                                                                      at this night

wird wie von Engeln aufgemacht                                                                          is opened as if by angels’ hands




Wir sind was wir sind                                                                                 We are what we a

ein Herz und eine Seele                                                                                            one heart and one soul

wir gehören zusammen                                                                                             we belong to each other

wie Schneeweißchen und Rosenrot                                                                          like Snowwhite and Red Riding Hood

manchmal wie Max und Moritz                                                                                  sometimes like Max and Moritz

mit Streichen hinter der Stirn                                                                                     with pranks behind our brow

manchmal traurig, manchmal froh                                                                             sometimes sad, sometimes happy

und neugierig sowieso                                                                                                and curious anyway

wir sind was wir sind                                                                                                     we are what we are

ein Herz und eine Seele                                                                                             one heart and one soul




Es ist wie es ist                                                                                                  It is as it is

lacht zu Ostern der Has                                                                                                  laughs the bunny at Easter

und legt kunterbunte Eier                                                                                                laying colorful eggs 

ins Gras                                                                                                                            in the grass


Das Kind steht auf                                                                                           The Child gets up

ganz frei und frank                                                                                                         freely and bold

von seiner Schülerbank                                                                                                 from her student’s desk

und läuft zur Klassentür                                                                                                 walks to the classroom door

um fortzugehen                                                                                                               to leave

was ist den nun geschehen                                                                                           what was it that happened

der Lehrer nicht erfreut                                                                                                   the teacher’s not pleased

fragt nach und hört                                                                                                          inquires and is told

“es war genug für heut”                                                                                                  “enough for today”



Was soll das bedeuten                                                                                        What’s that to mean

auf dem Papier?                                                                                                                 on the paper?

Mama                                                                                                                                   Mama

lauter “Leuchtigkeiten”                                                                                                        all these “shinerglows”

siehst du hier                                                                                                                       that you see here



Möchte fliegen können                                                                                        Love to fly

einmal                                                                                                                                     just once

in luftiger Höh                                                                                                                         to airy heights

möchte fliegen können                                                                                                          would love to fly

unversehens                                                                                                                           all of a sudden

über mich hinaus                                                                                                                    beyond mysel

Die Twins


 

 

  Ein Rückblick auf kostbare Jahre an unsern Insel-Strand auf Fehmarn


Günter Klingebeil

Schatzsuche am Strand                         Treasure Hunt by the Sea

                                        Farewell

                                                       Be there a place you have known for years,
                                                       a place that grew close to your heart;
                                                      and now to give it up pains you ever so hard.
                                                      No longer to go there, to see it again,
                                                      delve in memories and make new ones to win.
                                                      I can feel with your loss,  but remember the times
                                                      you spent there to write your beautiful rhymes.                               .

                                                                                                          Herb Windolf

 

Allein am Strand                                                     Alone on the beach

das Meer macht leer                                                 The sea empties

das Meer macht frei                                                   the sea liberates

ich schwebe                                                               I float

Wellen waschen die Steine                                     Waves wash over the pebbles

waschen das Hirn                                                      wash my brain

waschen mein Herz                                                   wash my heart

blank liegen die Sinne                                               bare lie the senses

 

Spannung                                                                 Tension

So viel Spannung                                                     So much tension

hinter der Stirn                                                            behind the brow

wieviel Volt                                                                How many volts

halten dich wach                                                         keep you awake

zum Weitergehn                                                        to go on

 

 

Eine Insel entdecken                                             To discover an Island

die dir großmütig                                                        that magnanimously

den Himmel freigibt                                                   opens the sky for you

 

Fortgehen                                                                 To leave

wenn das Festland dich schnürt                                when the mainland ties you down

aufbrechen                                                                 set off

mit der Brandung neu ankommen                            to arrive anew by the surf

fesselfrei                                                                     shackle-free

 

Insel-Brücke                                                            Island Bridge

Nah vor dir                                                                  Close to you

die stählerne Brücke                                                  the iron bridge

über den Sund                                                          across the strait

über die Insel                                                             spanning

gespannt                                                                    the island

ein Regenbogen                                                       a rainbow

von Wellen                                                                of waves

sicher getragen                                                          safely supported

sein Fuß                                                                      by which foot

welche Brücke                                                            which bridge

welche der Brücken                                                   which of the bridges

welche wählst du                                                       will you choose

 

Bin auf der Insel                                                      Am on the Island

bei mir zu Haus                                                          at my home

gehe ein gehe aus                                                    go in go out

bin angekommen                                                      did arrive

bin bei mir                                                                  am with me

bin nirgendwo                                                            am nowhere

wie hier bei mir                                                           like here with me

 

 

Auf Schatzsuche                                                   Treasure Hunt

am Strand der Zeit                                                    on the shore of time

von Wellen                                                                of waves

verwischt                                                                    blurred

die Spuren                                                                 the tracks

der Tage                                                                     of days

vom Sturm                                                                 by the storm

verstreut                                                                     scattered

die Schätze                                                                the treasures

des Sommers                                                           of summer

was von dir                                                                 but what of you

aufbewahrt                                                                 has been preserved

bleibt unverloren                                                       is never lost

 

 

Mit dem Fahrrad                                                     With the Bike

querfeldein                                                                 cross-country

durch goldgelben Raps                                            through yellow-golden canola

wer fragt nach dem Ziel                                             who asks for a destination   

Maitag                                                                       May Day

dem verblaßten                                                         the faded one

mitten im Gelb                                                           amidst the yellow

diesen Maitag                                                            this May day

halte ich fest                                                                I hold on to

mit leichtem Federstrich                                             with easy pen stroke

die Insel in Sonnenarmen                                         the island sun-embraced

übersät mit Schaumschwänen                                 dotted by foam swans

das aufgebrachte Meer                                            the angry ocean

versunken ins Gold der Felder                                 submerged in the gold of fields

Dächer und Türme                                                     roofs and towers

duftschwer die Luft                                                    heavy-scented the air

die dich nicht losläßt                                                   that won’t let you go

beim Abschied                                                          upon the farewell

an der Brücke nach drüben                                       at the bridge to the other side

 

Distanz                                                                      Distance

die Sonne                                                                  the sun

macht die Dächer dampfen                                      makes the roofs steam

zum Sommerbeginn                                                 at summer’s beginning

ich habe                                                                      I have

einen Platz gefunden                                                found a spot

mit weitem Blick                                                         with a far view

buchstabiere Distanz                                                spelling distance

 

Mein Hochsitz                                                         My elevated Hunter’s Hide

blickweit aufs Meer                                                    a view out to sea

zu überschauen den Tag                                          to look back on the day

Freundschaft zu feiern                                               to celebrate friendship

ein Stückchen über der Erde                                    a tad above the earth

Am Meer                                                                   The Sea

dem Gedicht                                                              to give the poem

eine Heimat geben                                                   a home

wo es wächst aus dem Wasser                              where it grows from the water

zu Ufern schlägt                                                         hitting the shore

mit spritzigem Schaum                                             with sparkling foam

mit Schwänen Bahnen zieht                                     in the wake of swans

auf schwankendem Grund                                        on swaying waves

 

Aufbruch                                                                   Departure

Steig über den Zaun                                                 Climb over the fence

in den neuen Tag                                                       into the new day

laß den Himmel anwachsen                                     let heaven arise

über deiner Stirn                                                        over your brow

trau dem Wind                                                           trust the wind

der weiterträgt                                                            that carries on

 

Nachts                                                                      Night

Das Rendezvous der Möven                                 The gulls’ rendezvous

auf meinem Dach                                                       on my roof

ihre Welt souverän hoch                                           their world commandingly high

über meiner                                                                above mine

Zaungast                                                                  Onlooker

mit silbernen Bändern                                               with silvery ribbons 

schmückt sich das Meer                                            the sea adorns itself

mir scheint es feiert                                                    looking to me as if celebrating

ein Fest mit der Sonne                                             a festival with the sun           

mag sein                                                                     maybe

es feiert sich selbst                                                    it celebrates itself

sein Geheimnis                                                          its secret

die Dauer                                                                    its duration

verloren als Zaungast                                                lost as an onlooker

steh ich am Ufer                                                         I stand at the shore

 

Gästebuch                                                               Visitors’ Book       

Das offene Buch                                                        The open book

in der Hütte am Meer                                                in the cottage by the sea

Fundgrube für                                                            a goldmine for

Flügel-Worte                                                              words on wings

der Freundschaft                                                        of friendship

für Erinnerungen                                                         of memories

in Skizzen und Bildern                                               in sketches and pictures

an Skurriles und Kühnes                                            of the comical and daring

für Gedanken hinaus                                                  for thoughts

über die Grenzen                                                      across borders

des Gestrigen                                                            of yesterday

ins Gültige                                                                  to the valid

 

Hannes Pinselstrich                                              Jack Brushstroke

aus Deinen Farben                                                    from your colors

springt die Freude                                                     leaps joy

Deine Leidenschaft                                                   Your compassion

bringt das Lachen                                                      brings laughter

Dein Pinselstrich                                                         Your brush stroke

probt das Glück                                                         probes for happiness

macht es möglich                                                       makes it possible

 

Neujahr am Meer                                                    New Year by the Sea

Unter Wellenrauschen                                               by the rush of waves          

in ein neues Jahr                                                        into a New Year

wir flüchtigen Wesen                                                 we fleeting beings

verrauschender Zeit                                                  of fading time

hingeworfen                                                               tossed

ans nackte Ufer                                                          to a naked shore

festzuhalten den Tag                                                 holding on to the day

fortzuschreiben den Weg                                         perpetuating the path

 

Steinreich                                                                 Pebbly

der Strand                                                                  the beach

steinreich                                                                     pebbly

an Glück                                                                      with fortune

die Tage                                                                     the days

zwischen den Steinen                                               among the pebbles

am Strand                                                                   on the beach

Ferngerückt                                                              Far Removed

Zwischen uns ein Meer                                             Between us an ocean

fern deine Küste im Nebel                                       your far coast in fog

umspült von unwägbaren Strömungen                  washed by imponderable currents

wenn das Treiben                                                     when the day’s bustle

des Tages umkippt                                                   reverses

ein Lichtstreif am Horizont                                         a strip of light at the horizon

Vibrationen von fern Vertrautem                              vibrations of the distant familiar

 

 

Unser Tag                                                                 Our Day

dies ist unser Tag                                                      this is our day

wir ziehen hinaus unter den Himmel                        to take off under the sky

einzusammeln das Licht                                            to gather the light

dies ist unser Tag                                                      this is our day

wir fliegen fort mit den Wolken                                 to fly away with the clouds

einzuholen die Träume                                              to catch up with dreams

dies ist unser Tag                                                      this is our day

wir verweilen im Augenblick                                     to linger in the moment

einzufangen die flüchtige Zeit                                   to catch the fleeting time

 

 

Am Meer                                                                   By the Sea

wir wollten den Mond einfangen                              we tried catching the moon

ihn zwischen die Zweige                                          to put it between

unserer Tanne setzen                                               the branches of our fir

wo er verweilte im Jahr zuvor                                  where it stayed the year before

so sehr wir uns mühten                                             as much as we tried

er lies sich nicht rückwärts rücken                               it refused to move backwards

auf den Platz vergangener Tage                             to the place of bygone days

 

 

Einmal                                                                       Once

Einmal mit dem Wolkenzug                                     Once with the movement of clouds

ich weiß nicht wohin                                                   I don’t know where to

einmal mit den Wellen                                              once with the waves

kopfüber springen                                                     a somersault

einmal mit dem Wind                                                once with the wind

nachtschwärmen                                                        being a nightowl

einmal mit der Sonne                                                once with the sun

ich-liebe-dich spielen                                                play I love you

einmal                                                                         once

auf einem Stein verstummen                                   fall silent on a rock

zu schärfen die Sinne                                                to sharpen the senses

 

 

Eine Insel                                                                  An Island

hinter dem Tag                                                           after the day

dir zu bewahren                                                         to keep

ein Versteck                                                               as a hiding place

für das Glück                                                               for happiness

 

Fündig geworden                                                    Lucky Strike

auf Streifzügen                                                           on forays

durch Sand                                                                 through sand

in glasklarer Luft                                                          in crystal-clear air

den klaren Kopf                                                         found a clear head

gefunden in Distanz zum Tag                                   in the distance to the day

Träume                                                                       dreams

wiederentdeckt                                                          rediscovered

im Blick übers Meer                                                  with a look across the sea

Horizonte ermessen                                                 assess horizons

in mir                                                                            in myself

 

Fundstück: Rasselstein                                       A Find: Rattle Stone

(für Helmut)                                                                (for Helmut)

Zerrieben von Gezeiten                                           worn down by tides

geworfen gestoßen                                                  tossed and tumbled

zerstoßen                                                                   beaten-up

Stein in Stein versteckt                                             stone hidden in stone

verschlossen vergessen                                          enclosed and forgotten

bis du ihn findest                                                        until you find it

ihn aufhebst                                                                pick it up

an dein Ohr hälst                                                        hold it to your ear

im Rasseln                                                                 to hear by the rattle

ein Rufen zu hören                                                    a call

 

Fehmarn                                                                    Fehmarn

dich nenne ich                                                             I name you

fragt mich wer                                                             someone asks

nach meiner großen Liebe                                       for my great love

spröde dein Gesicht                                                 brittle your face         

von Strömungen umrissen                                       surrounded by currents

deine steinerne Gestalt                                             your rocky shape

ausgeliefert den Stürmen                                         exposed to storms

der Sonne preisgegeben                                        surrendered to the sun

verloren under Sternen                                             lost under stars         

dich nenne ich                                                             I name you

fragt mich wer                                                             someone asks

nach meiner großen Liebe                                       for my great love

dich                                                                              you

gehalten                                                                      held

von den Armen                                                         by the arms

des Himmels                                                             of Heaven

 

Meine Wolke                                                            My Cloud

kleine Schaumflocke                                                  little puff of foam

mein Segel unter der Sonne                                    my sail under the sun

windgetriebener Traum                                             wind-driven dream

durch den Tag durch die Nacht                                 through day and night

kleine Schaumflocke                                                  little puff of foam

mein Segel unter der Sonne                                    my sail under the sun

mein Haschen nach Wind                                         my grasping for wind

unter dem Himmel                                                     under the sky

Sommertag                                                             A Summer’s Day

Noch ist Sommertag                                                 A summer’s day still

und offen der Himmel                                               and clear the sky

die Luft voller Samen                                                the air full off seeds

und süßem Duft                                                         and scents so sweet

in den Feldern der Mohn                                          fields full of poppies

in den Gärten Margeriten                                          in the gardens marguerites

am Steilhang zwischen Moos                                  between moss on the scarp

mein kleines Gedicht                                                 my little poem

Noch ist Sommertag                                                 a summer’s day still

und offen der Himmel                                               and clear the sky

es dreht sich der Drachen                                         with the kite turning

lautlos im Wind                                                          silently in the wind

der Surfer spannt den Flügel                                    the surfer readies his sail

zum Flug über Fluten                                                for his flight across waves

am Spinnenetz spinnt                                               on the spider net weaves

mein kleines Gedicht                                                 my little poem

Noch ist Sommertag                                                 A summer’s day still

und offen der Himmel                                               and clear the sky

es atmet die Erde                                                      the Earth is breathing

ganz arglos im Traum                                                unsuspecting in her dream

was tun – wenn durch Menschen                             what to do – when people

Zerstörung einbricht                                                   cause destruction

schon wachsen Taubenflügel                                   the wings of a dove

meinem kleinen Gedicht                                           grow for my little poem

 

 

Eine Hütte bauen                                                   To Build a Hut

brückenschlagnah                                                      close to a bridge      

brückenschlagfern                                                      distant from a bridge

vom Festland                                                             from the mainland

offener Fragen                                                           of open questions

 

 

Mein Reisetag                                                         May Day’s Trip

eingetaucht in Sonne                                                 immersed in sun

in den Taschen                                                           in the bags

mein Trödel                                                                my stuff

Tagschmuck                                                               my day’s jewelry

und Nachtkleid                                                            and nightgown

für unterwegs                                                             for on the way

 

 

Immer neu                                                                Always New

ankommen                                                                 to arrive

und wieder aufbrechen                                             and leave again

Fußwege                                                                    footpaths

am Meer entlang                                                       along the shore

Pulsschläge                                                                pulse beats

im Gleichtakt der Wellen                                           to the beat of the waves

Schaumträume                                                           dreams of spray

die im Sand zerrinnen                                               melting away in the sand

Am Ende der Nacht                                               At the End of the Night

wie verloren                                                               like being lost

der Mond über dem Meer                                       the moon over the ocean

ein wachsames Auge                                               a watchful eye

groß und rund                                                             large and round

im Dämmer der Frühe                                               in the twilight of dawn

ich wagte mich hinaus                                                I dared to step out   

ging auf ihn zu                                                            walked towards it

zaghaft wie auf Zehenspitzen                                  gingerly on tip toes

hielt an in seinem Bann                                             stopped spellbound

blieb hängen im Zauber                                           suspended by the magic

einer verglühenden Nacht                                         of a dying night

 

Am Meer                                                                   At the Sea

Verloren unter Wolken                                              Lost under clouds

hochgewirbelt von Wellen                                       whirled high by waves

fortgetrieben vom Wind                                           driven by wind

eingefangen                                                               captured

von den Armen der Sonne                                      by the arms of the sun

Wie sie dich mitreißt                                                  How it pulls you along

die Melodie des Meeres                                         the song of the sea

dich umspült mit Glück                                               laps happiness about you

dich einhüllt                                                                 envelops you

in den weißen Schaum                                             in the white foam

wacher Träume                                                          of waking dreams

dich treibt zum Weiter-                                              drives you to go on

und Weitergehen                                                      and go on

 

Neujahr                                                                      New Year

Aus der Nacht                                                            Out of the night

sind wir gestiegen                                                     we climbed

heut früh ans Land                                                     early morning onto land

Schnee zu den Füßen                                              snow at our feet

mit dem Morgenlicht                                                  in the morning light

Hand in Hand                                                             hand in hand

wir gingen zu zweit                                                    we walked together

mit wehendem Haar                                                  hair blowing

landhinein                                                                    inland

in ein neues Jahr                                                        into a new year

 

Schneeweiß deine Segel                                      Snow-white Your Sails

wie Hoffnungszeichen                                               like hopeful signs

hochgerichtet                                                              straight-up     

auf dunklem Meer                                                      on dusky sea

unter verschleiertem Himmel                                    under veiled sky

 

Gezeiten                                                                   Tides

im Wechsel der Gezeiten                                        in the change of tides

hinter der weichenden Flut                                        following the ebbing tide

zu Bewahrendes finden                                            to find the preservable

im ausgewaschenen Sand                                       in the washed-out sand

 

Wolkenzüge                                                             Cloud Banks

Wie sie fortziehen                                                     How they drift

windgetrieben                                                            wind-driven

weiß und dunkel                                                         white and dark

einzeln und in Formationen                                       singly and in formation

Bilder zu entwerfen                                                   creating images

gegen das Gewölbe des Himmels                        against the vault of the sky

sich spurenlos auflösen                                             dissolving without trace

im sprachlosen All                                                     into silent space

 

Menschenzüge                                                       Human Crowds

wie sie fortziehen                                                       How they shift

windgetrieben                                                            wind-driven

dunkel und hell                                                           dark and bright

einzeln und in Massen                                              singly and in crowds

Bilder zu entwerfen                                                   to create images      

auf das Rund der Erde                                              on the sphere of the Earth

sich spurentief einzumischen                                    to leave deep tracks

in den Fortgang der Welt                                          in the world’s continuation

 

Die Enkel Schatzsucher                                       Grandkids Treasure Hunt

Auf flinken Füßen                                                       Fleet on their feet

unterwegs                                                                  on the way

Schätze zu sammeln                                                 collecting treasures

am Strand                                                                   on the beach

Muscheln und Steine                                                shells and pebbles

und Schnecken                                                          and snails

ein Fund in den Händen                                            a find in hand

in den Augen das Glück                                            happiness in the eyes

und frei die Stirn                                                         and free the mind

aufzustöbern                                                              to hunt

die Schätze der Welt                                                for the treasures of the world

 

Am Meer                                                                   By the Sea

Diese Stille die sich füllt                                             The silence filling

mit Mövengeschrei                                                   with the screams of gulls

in der Frühe                                                                early on

die Morgensonne                                                      the morning sun

die dich                                                                       which silently

lautlos mitnimmt                                                         takes you along

in das Niemandsland                                                 to the no-man’s-land

neuer Stunden                                                           of new hours

 

Es ist gut                                                                  It feels good

barfuß zu gehen                                                        to walk barefoot

sich fußfest einzudrücken                                          to leave deep tracks

in die ziehende Zeit                                                   in the passing time

Sand zu spüren                                                         to feel sand

zwischen den Zehen                                                 between the toes

Sand zu bewegen                                                    to shift sand

im Wettlauf                                                                 in a race

mit wütigen Winden                                                  with angry winds

März am Meer                                                         March by the Sea

ans Land gespült ein Frühling                                   spring washed ashore

du und ich allein am Strand                                       you and I alone on the beach

du und ich                                                                   you and I

ozeanisch ins Schweigen gefallen                           in profound silence

du und ich                                                                   you and I

unwiederbringlich du und ich                                     you and I forever

 

Rapsfeld                                                                   Rape Field

Im Farbenrausch                                                        in the blaze of color

die Königin der Felder                                               the queen of fields

wie sie dich enfängt                                                   how it captivates you

mit ihrem Duft                                                             with its scent

dich umgarrnt                                                              ensnares you

mit ihrem Gelb                                                           with its yellow

dich mitreißt                                                                sweeps you along

inselweit                                                                      island-wide

ins ungebrochene                                                      into the unbroken

Gold der Sonne                                                        gold of the sun

 

Unterwegs mit dir                                                   Out and about with you

durch die lange Lindenallee                                      through the long linden avenue

im Taumel                                                                   giddy

tanzender Sonnenfunken                                          from dancing sun specks

bedrängt von Luft und Kühle                                    impressed by air and coolness

fortgetragen                                                                carried away

zu Ufern des Sommers                                            to the shores of summer

 

Weg am Wasser                                                      Path along the Water

Von Wellen                                                                Of waves

geworfen zum Strand                                               tossed to the beach

mit dem Morgenwind                                                by the morning wind

Hand in Hand                                                             hand in hand

barfuß taghinein                                                         barefoot through the day

über Gestein                                                              across stones

 

Schreiben                                                                 Writing

Hinter der Ebbe                                                        after low tide

heute die Flut                                                             today the high tide

Aufgestautes                                                             dammed up things

das sich Bahn bricht                                                   breaking free

über leergefegtem Land                                          over deserted land

 

Am Abend                                                                Evening

im Hafen                                                                     in the harbor

beklemmende Klänge                                              stifling sounds

im Windspiel der Seile                                             the wind playing in the ropes

ein Harfenkonzert                                                       a harpist’s concert

hoch in den Wipfeln                                                  high in the masts

nachtvertäuter Segelboote                                      of sailboats moored for the night

 

 

Weit                                                                            Far

übers Meer                                                                across the sea

würd ich gehen                                                           would I go

über die Brücke des Mondes                                  across the bridge of the moon

zu Dir                                                                           to You

 

 

Gegenüber                                                               Across

auf dem Flachdach                                                     on the flat roof

liegt wie eine Kugel                                                   lies like a ball

der Mond                                                                   the moon

du möchtest ihn anstoßen                                         you’d like to bump it

mit mir das Mondspiel spielen                                 play the moon game with me

nach einem Tag voller Sonne                                  after a day’s plentiful sun

doch du weißt                                                            but you know

unfassbar ist Glück                                                     happiness is unfathomable

 

 

Wenn die Insel                                                         When the Island

Anker wirft zur Nacht                                                  drops anchor for the night

wenn die Konturen schwinden                                 when contours dwindle

letzte Schimmer                                                         final glimmers

ins Schilfgras fallen                                                     fade into the reed grass

Häuser verschwimmen                                             houses become blurred

zu Lichtpunkten                                                          to points of light

Steine aufleuchten                                                     rocks light up

wie von Zauberhand                                                 like magic

wenn der Himmel im Schwarz                                 when the black sky

einen Sternenteppich knüpft                                    weaves a carpet of stars

rund um die Insel                                                       around the island

wird es mächenhaft  am Meer                                  like a fairy tale by the sea

wird dein Blick geschärft                                            sharpening your look

für die Traumhälfte                                                     for the dreamy half

des Seins                                                                   of being

 

 

Ich weiß                                                                     I know

es trug ein Golfstrom                                                 a gulf stream

uns rüber zum Strand                                                carried us to the beach

noch brennt uns das Salz auf den Lippen              salt still stings our lips

noch spüren wir Wärme im Blut                               we still feel the warmth in the blood

noch treibt uns die Ströming voran                          still the current pushes us ahead

 

 

Im Dämmer allein                                                   Alone in the Twilight

im Dämmer                                                                in the dusk

über hingeduckten                                                     above crouching

Häusern                                                                      houses

ein magerer Mond                                                     a lean moon  

über dem Meer                                                         above the ocean

am letzen Tag                                                            on the final day

des Jahres                                                                 of the year

allein                                                                            alone

dem Menschen möglich                                           possible for humans

das Zugehen der Zukunft                                         the approach to the future

von Jahr zu Jahr                                                         from year to year

von Neumond                                                           from new moon

zu Neumond                                                              to new moon

zu neuem Ziel                                                            to a new goal

 

Nie ended der Schöpfungstag                            The never ending day of Creation

Stumm das Meer                                                      Silent the sea

groß und gelassen                                                    great and calm

Mutter aller Flüsse                                                     mother of all rivers

fortdrängender Fragen                                              continuing questions

nie endet der Schöpfungstag                                  the day of creation never ends

wo Ende scheint                                                        where there seems to be an end

wird Neubeginn                                                         there’s a new beginning

wo Nebel fallen                                                         where fogs descend

fallen Tränen ins Meer                                               tears drop into the sea

 

Ruth                                                                           Ruth

Leih mir dein weißes Hütchen                                  Lend me your little white hat

für den Husch durch den Sommer                           for the rush through summer

leih mir deine Gummischuh                                       lend me your rubber boots

für den Sprung über Muschelgestein                      for leaps across the fossil rocks

leif mir deine Sonnenbrille                                        lend me your sunglasses

ungeblendet Bilder zu bündeln                               to focus images undazzled

 

 

Noch ein Gedicht als Nachtrag                          And a Final Poem

Zwei Knaben im Boot                                              Two boys in a boat

paddeln ohne Not                                                     paddle afloat

kreuz und quer                                                           here and there

übers Meer                                                                across the sea

da stehen zwei Damen                                             there stand two ladies

ganz versonnen                                                         lost in thought

– keine Nonnen –                                                      – no nuns –

sie schauen gerne in die Ferne                                love looking out for boats

bleiben oft stehen                                                     who stop often

mitten im Gehen                                                        in their walking

fangen des Treibens Lauf                                        catch the hustle and bustle

mit wachen Augen auf                                               with eyes awake

entdecken die Knaben                                              discover the boys

die sich genähert haben                                            who have come close

freuen sich an ihrer Freude                                        delight in their joy

und hören zu ihrem Leide                                         but hear to their sorrow        

Guck da:                                                                     Look there:

zwei Eulen haben uns im Visier                               two owls have got us in their sight

– bloß weg von hier! –                                             – off, off, let’s get away from here! –

 

 

                                        Aufbruch über die Fehmarnsund-Brücke

Einmal die Insel zu Fuß zu umwandern, strandentlang-wegweiserlos, das war unser Ziel

Drei Inselliebhaber, ein munteres Gespann, planten im Sommer vor der Jahrtausendwende jenseits der vielversprechenden Fehmarnsund-Brücke einmal zu Fuß an den Stränden entlang die Insel zu umwandern, vorangetrieben vom Wellenschlag des Meeres.

Am Südstrand der Start über schmale Pfade zwischen Kamille, Korn und Mohn, vorbei an wild blühenden Sträuchern bis zum Leuchtturm Staberhuk. Und weiter zur Stein- und Steilküste bis zur ersten Pause im Gasthaus Katharinenhof. An diesem Strand hat der Winter ein wüstes Spiel getrieben. Aufgerissen der gesamte Rand der Küste. Bäume vom Sturm gefällt. Barrieren im Sand. Riesige Wurzelberge und Steine wie Brocken aus Sterngestein. Ein gefährdeter, wilder Landstrich, ausgeliefert einer unzügelbaren Natur.

Auf dem Plateau, ausgebreitet unter der Sonne kunterbunte Campingplätze, die Nomadenlager des Sommers. Freundliche Menschen, Musik und kleine Blumengürtel im Dschungel der Zelte und Wohnwagen. Endlich frei sein im eigenen kleinen Paradies unter Sonne und Wind. Wie Sturmvögel aufs Surfbrett steigen. In Segelbooten sich fortträumen in die Weite.

Wir ziehen weiter über langhingestreckte Schmalspur-Pfade am Saum der Küste - Stunde um Stunde - an der idyllischen Hoch-Siedlung Marienleuchte vorbei bis zum umtriebigen Hafen von Puttgarden.

Ende des ersten Tages! Sechs Stunden über ungewohnte Wege. Die Füße zum Zerbrechen! Nur heim zum erfrischenden Duschbad und kühlen Bier! - Am nächsten Tag Fortsetzung der Tour ab Puttgarden. Wie neu und anders diese Landschaft! Ein müheloses Wandern über den Deich, rechts und links große Grasflächen, auf denen Schafherden weiden. Ein weiter Strand. Riesendampfer in der Ferne. Linkerhand ein kleiner niedriger Wald, Tümpel und Seen und neu gewonnenes Land. Schutzgebiet für seltene Vögel. Vor uns das Niobe- Denkmal, diese Erinnerungsstätte an den tragischen Untergang des Segelschulschiffes Niobe 1932 in einem unerwartetn Sturm vor Fehmarn. Gedanken, die sich aus dem Augenblick lösen, sich selbständig machen, Jahrzehnte überfliegen und verweilen im Unvorstellbaren.

Herrlich der Meerblick - ruhig der Strand. - Ein angenehmer Rückenwind treibt uns voran.Wir wandern weiter bis zum Belt, dieses zur Zeit fast orientalisch wirkendes Fleckchen Erde. Hinter geheimnisvollen Schilfseen das bunte Treiben der Campingfreunde. Rundum Schwäne und Enten einbezogen in die Insel-Idylle. Überall säumen zufriedene Schafe unsern Weg. Ein übermütiges Wolkenspiel am Himmel! Die große Hitze hat noch nicht eingesetzt.

Bis zur Wallnau, dem Vogelschutzgebiet, tragen uns  die Füße an diesem Tag.

Wir verweilen und staunen und beobachten das bunte Treiben der Ostseevögel.

Von Bojendorf aus geht es dann zunächst wieder heimwärts zum Ausruhen. Frühmorgens brechen wir gut erholt mit dem Ferienexpress wieder auf zur Wallnau, die Inselumrundung fortzusetzen! 

Von dort aus liegt ein  weiter Weg vor uns Richtung Orth am Yachthafen. Angenehm die Pfade am Ufer entlang. Überwiegend Radfahrer sind es, die uns hier begegnen, nur wenige Wanderer! Wir entdecken reizvolle Uferstrecken, streifen den Flügger Leuchtturm und beschleunigen unsern Schritt- bei einem sich verdunkelnden Himmel.  Doch das Gewitter zieht vorüber.

Über den Deich geht es vorbei an romantischen Binnenseen. Wieder eine lange Strecke- und dann eine kleine Erholung und Stärkung auf der Terrass einer Gaststätte in Orth mit Blick auf das spannende Treiben im Yachthafen vor der letzten Strecke Weg an diesem Tag.

Der Ehrgeiz treibt uns weiter. Eine große Strecke liegt beim 4. Start wieder vor uns von Orth aus über Lemkenhafen und weiter am „Gold“ufer entlang. Viele Surf-Vögel sind mit uns unterwegs in den Tag. Segelboote bevölkern die Meerlandschaft. Die Fehmarnbrücke in neuer Perspektive! Als neues Malmotiv eingeprägt! Schwieriger Weg unter der Brücke her über Zäune und Bauhalden. Über uns das Dröhnen der Autos. Fort von hier - am Fehmarnsund entlang - zu den südlichen Gestaden der Insel bis hin zum Wulfener Hals!

Unterwegs überall ein  munteres Strandtreiben. Romantisch zwischen schattigen Bäumen der Erholungsplatz in Wulfen! Von hier aus noch ein langhingezogener Weg über den Deich am Binnensee in Begleitung mit uns sympatisierender Schwäne bis Burgstaaken. Hier die verdiente Pause am Hafenbecken.

Bald sind wir am Ausgangsziel, unserm kleinen Domizil!  Vom Hochsitz aus noch ein weiter Blick zurück! Drei Wanderer heimgekehrt von einer faszinierenden Inselumrundung.

22 Stunden Laufzeit liegen hinter uns. Knapp 80 km verteilt auf vier Ferientage! Das muß gefeiert werden! Wir haben uns die Insel, die wir schon lange lieben, nun endgültig erobert, per pedes in den  Hochsommertagen vor dem Beginn eines neuen Jahrtausends!                           

                                            

                       A Hike around Fehmarn Island 

To circumnavigate the island once on foot, along the beach, without signposts, was our goal.

Three island aficionados, my husband Karlo, my friend, Hanne, and myself, a lively team, decided in the summer prior to the millennium event, to walk along the island’s beaches past the Fehmarn Strait bridge, driven by the wave beat of the sea.

We start at the south beach along narrow trails among chamomile, wheat fields  and poppies, past wildly blooming bushes, to the lighthouse Staberhuk. And on it goes to the rocky cliffs to the restaurant Khatharinenhof for our first rest. Winter has played a wild game here, tearing up the entire beach front, with many trees felled by the storm and sand barriers piled up. Giant root balls and rocks look like remnants of star stuff. An endangered, wild area, exposed to an unrestrainable nature.

On the plateau, colorful camping places are spread under the sun, the nomad camps of summer, with friendly people, music, and small flower arrangements amidst the jungle of tents and campers. The people are happy to be free in their own little paradise under sun and wind, to ride surfboards like petrels; to dream themselves onto sailboats in the distance.

We advance on long, narrow trails along the edge of the shore – hour after hour – past the elevated, idyllic housing development Marienleuchte to the busy port of Puttgarden, the end of our first day! Six hours across often rough trails, the feet hurting! Now it is home for a refreshing shower and a cool beer!

The following day we continue our trip from Puttgarden. How new and different the land looks here. We wander effortlessly along the dike, with large grassy areas to the left and right where herds of sheep graze. A broad beach. Big steamers ride in the distance. To the left, a small, low woods, ponds and lakes on new-won land, a nature preserve for rare birds. Ahead of us the Niobe Monument, in memory of the tragic sinking of the sailing ship Niobe, a trainer, in an unexpected storm near Fehmarn in 1932. Thoughts surface while we  leave the moment, become free, fly across decades, to linger on the incomprehensible.

Magnificent the look out onto the sea – calm the beach. A pleasant tail wind pushes us on. We walk on to the Belt, at this time, an almost oriental looking piece of earth, where,  behind enigmatic reed lakes, happens the colorful activity of the campers. And everywhere swans and ducks dot the island idyll, with contented sheep lining our path. In the sky, clouds play a high-spirited game. The big heat hasn’t arrived yet.

Today, our feet carry us to Wallnau, the nature preserve. We linger and observe the colorful activity of the Baltic Sea birds there.

Then, from Bojendorf, we head back home to rest. By early morning, well rested, we use the Holiday Express to ride to Wallnau to continue our island circumnavigation. From there, we face a long way in the direction of the Orth yacht harbor. The trails along the beach are pleasant. It is mostly bicycle riders who cross our path here, few hikers. We discover pleasant beaches, pass by the Flügger lighthouse, then pick up our pace because of a darkening sky. But the thunderstorm passes.

Along the dike we pass romantic lakes, followed by another long distance, and a short rest and refreshment on the terrace of a restaurant in Orth. Here we enjoy looking at the hustle and bustle in the yacht harbor, before we enter the final stretch of this day.

Ambition drives us forward. On the fourth day we face a long distance from Orth, past Lemkenhafen and on along the “Gold” beach. Many surfers are out already. Sailboats dot the seascape. Then, the Fehmarn Bridge in a new perspective, to keep in mind as a painting motive. A difficult path leads under the bridge over fences and building rubble. Above us the thrum of cars. Off, off from here – along the Fehmarn Strait – to the southern shore of the isle, to the Wulfener Hals.

Along the way we observe colorful beach activity. The Wulfen camping place is pleasantly located under shade trees. From there, we still face a drawn-out path along the dike and a lake, where we are accompanied by swans to Burgstaaken. There we enjoy a well-earned rest by the harbor.

Soon, we close on to our departure point, our little abode. From the elevated hunter’s hide, we take a look back into the dstance. We three hikers have returned from a fascinating island circumnavigation.

Twenty-two hours of walking lie behind us, just shy of 80 km spread over four days. This calls for a celebration! We have now made the island we have loved all along, at last fully our own, on foot, in high summer, just prior to the beginning of the new millennium!

                                                                                                                                            Translated by Herbert Windolf

Günter Klingebeoi - Berlin