So many followers of my blog had asked me for a translation of my mother’s wedding poem that I decided to get to work. The poem is quite poetic and uses my wife’s nickname Biene (Bee) as a metaphor for her flight from Germany to Canada in 1966. There was no way to preserve the rhyme and rhythm of this wonderful poem. The translation therefore can only give a crude impression, but at least you will know what this poem is all about.
My Mother’s Wedding Poem loosely translated into English
It whispers here, it mutters there.
It happened to my youngest son.
He wanted to study in Canada
to get himself a really good job.
The exams taken in quick succession
did not bother and confuse him at all.
Also what comes now is not a lie.
Something buzzing came flying to him.
A little bee (Biene) tender and excited,
of a very special kind was she,
flew from the Rhine on and on,
totally joyful and spontaneous,
sometimes high and sometimes low,
almost singed her wings, oh no.
From Montreal to Calgary,
tireless like never before,
the little creature totally exhausted
landed at Peter’s basement door.
Peter showing respect for any kind of life
did not leave the insect unattended.
He took care of the Little Bee,
stroking her wings so tenderly.
Indeed with so much tender-loving care
she turned into a princess without delay.
A young maiden well known to me,
he took her quickly to the marriage office.
On the 21st of May you will be a couple.
That is clear to the people in ‘Born, Germany.
Not too long ago Peter as scout lived in tent.
And now Biene flew to him in a great hurry.
Here are the greetings to all the siblings
from all the uncles and all the aunts.
That all may go well wishes your mother
from the bottom of her heart.
Thank you so much, Peter, for the translation! Now I can go back and listen to your mother’s lovely voice and hear it in German with an understanding of what she is saying. Danke!
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Wonderful! Thank you Peter, for your loose translation. It really helps to understand the poem. Your mother was a supporter of yours and Biene’s marriage. She showed her support so beautifully! Her love for you both shines.
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Thanks for the translation, Peter. What a beautiful poem..
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I listened to some of the audio as well, Peter, glad that now have an idea of what it was about. What a thoughtful poem! Thanks for taking the time to translate it. Des
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Thank you Peter. That must have warmed both your hearts.
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What a lovely poem, Peter! Thank you for translating it for those of us who do not read German. Your mother gave you a priceless gift with this….
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What a beautiful tribute to you both – thank you for sharing. And happy anniversary for May 21!
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Thank you! It will be our 53rd.
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Lovely!
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Totally joyful and spontaneous- a lovely tribute from mother.
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Thank you, Sidran!
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