My Daily Dose of Deutsch

People often think that I’m weird

Because I love to read

German grammar and usage texts.

Okay, I concede:

It’s not normal to read through

Such books from cover to cover;

But it’s not so strange when you are considered

A German language lover.

It also makes sense when one’s

A German language learner

To read a book most people consider

NOT a real page turner.

But German—Ach!—I love the language;

I love to speak it and hear it.

I love how it bounces off the tongue.

(It’s a shame that some won’t go near it.)

The language really tickles my ears;

To me it doesn’t sound snooty.

Because of its crispness and clarity, I

Appreciate its beauty.

Unlike the Italians, the Germans don’t

Talk with their hands.

They also don’t sound like drill sergeants

Shouting out commands.

And Germans, unlike speakers of English,

Don’t confuse “her” with “she”;

They also don’t have a problem knowing

When to use “I” or “me.”

The German language sounds fresh and vivid,

Vivacious, spirited, and zestful.

It’s not a language that lulls you to sleep

In a manner quiet and restful.

Listen to the great German poems

That go back many years

By Eichendorff, Goethe, and Heine.

Music to my ears!

Don’t forget that English is

A Germanic language. It’s true!

But many words come from Latin now,

And other languages, too.

When I’m feeling down in the dumps,

Sad or a little morose,

All I need to perk me up

Is German in a large dose.

Beauty is in the eye of the viewer;

That idea holds sway.

It’s also in the ear of the listener.

What more can I say?

(9-2-14) By Bob B