A Brief Eulogy
A friend so dear for many years
no longer with us yet still is
the teacher, reader, searching mind,
I’d like to be fourteen years out.
The inscription that you wrote
in my copy of your book
bears the treasured “Kamerad”,
with meaning that defies translation.
We talked of us surviving war years,
escaping threats of bombs and capture;
we agreed our lives were ruled
by chance and only disagreed how much.
To celebrate your ninetieth
was our delight, inviting friends
to Viennese “Kaffee und Kuchen”,
and loving tributes by all present.
Your truth: “my brain is who I am”,
invasive treatment meant real risk;
How wonderful to see you stand
and freely wave both arms again.
Before that surgical relief,
helping to restore your thoughtful course,
then being asked to share its teaching,
will always be a vivid highlight.
Beyond these snapshots there’s much more
as you live on in grateful memory;
Dearest Sophie, let me say
I’m so much richer for our friendship.
– Peter Schmidt (June 2022, revised Oct. 2022)
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