An ardent love song
fills the desert with wonders --
makes plants and fruits grow.
Een liefdeslied vult	Lieder erfüllen
de woestijn met wonderen --	sogar Wüsten mit Wundern --
Planten en vruchten.	Pflanzen und Früchte.

Poem H4707
Amsterdam, 2024-06-15
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 3 Glory, chapter 16
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Love: nourishes, Love: Give To Be 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

In the beautiful
merging of lovers, love turns --
out to be self-love.
In de versmelting	In der Verschmelzung
van minnaars blijkt de liefde --	erweist sich deine Liebe --
zelfliefde te zijn.	als Eigenliebe.

Poem H4706
Amsterdam, 2024-06-15
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 3 Glory, chapter 15
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Love: sex, Ego: self-love 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She is so hungry
to be loved, obviously --
she has not been fed.
Ze hongert zo mooi	Sie hungert so schön
naar liefde, klaarblijkelijk --	nach Liebe, also wurde --
is ze niet gevoed.	sie nicht gefüttert.

Poem H4705
Amsterdam, 2024-06-15
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 3 Glory, chapter 15
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Love: wish (thought) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The Kingdom of Love -
Does that mean anything? All?
Or is it a dream?
Rijk van de Liefde -	Das Reich der Liebe -
Betekent dat iets? Alles?	Bedeutet das etwas? Alles?
Of is het een droom?	Oder träume ich?

Poem H4704
Amsterdam, 2024-06-15
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 3 Glory, chapter 15
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Love: wish (thought), Idealism 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The king is crying
for the beautiful maps, so --
the courtiers cry too.
Prachtige kaarten,	Der König weint um
de koning huilt erom, dus --	die schöne Karten, also --
de dienaren ook.	die Höflinge auch.

Poem H4703
Amsterdam, 2024-06-15
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 3 Glory, chapter 15
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Art (beauty) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

My teacher hits me:
remember, blows, time and time --
poor people get hit.
Mijn leraar slaat me:	Mein Lehrer schlägt mich:
onthoud, keer op keer een klap --	vergiss nie, immer wieder --
wanneer je arm bent!	schlägt man die Armen.

Poem H4702
Amsterdam, 2024-06-15
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 3 Glory, chapter 14
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Awareness: reality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I feel more at home
with trees and a wide river --
than with company.
Ik voel me meer thuis	Bäume und Flüsse,
bij bomen en rivieren --	da bin ich mehr zu Hause --
dan in gezelschap.	als in Gesellschaft.

Poem H4700
Amsterdam, 2024-06-14
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 3 Glory, chapter 14
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: People: fellow man 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Don't believe people,
they are mad, because you know --
you are of sound mind.
Geloof mensen niet,	Glaub den Leuten nicht,
ze zijn gek, want je weet dat --	sie sind verrückt, denn du weißt --
jij verstandig bent.	du bist bei Verstand.

Poem H4699
Amsterdam, 2024-06-14
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 12
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Reason: and feelings, Ego: subjective hold 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

What people work on,
but also what they forget --
determines future.
Wat de mensen doen,	Was die Menschen tun,
maar ook wat ze vergeten --	und auch was sie vergessen --
bepaalt de toekomst.	bestimmt die Zukunft.

Poem H4698
Amsterdam, 2024-06-13
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 11
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Future: vortex, Memory: lost (forgetting) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The pamphlets are blank,
that is their message, surely --
it's commonly known.
Blanco pamfletten,	Leere Flugzettel,
dat is hun boodschap, ja zo --	das ist ihre Botschaft, ja --
algemeen bekend.	allgemein bekannt.

Poem H4697
Amsterdam, 2024-06-13
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 11
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Resistance, Politics 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Saying, god wants one
religion you know nothing --
of divinity.
Wie zegt dat god één	Wer sagt, Gott will nur
soort godsdienst wil, begrijpt niets --	eine Religion, weiß nichts --
van goddelijkheid.	von der Göttlichkeit.

Poem S2221
Amsterdam, 2024-06-13
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 11
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: God(s), Religion: commandments 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Sometimes, wistfully
I think of the younger years:
my children's childhood.
Weemoedig denk ik	Wehmut, ich denke
soms aan de jonge jaren --	an die früheren Jahre --
van mijn kinderen.	die meiner Kinder.

Poem H4696
Amsterdam, 2024-06-13
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 10
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Melancholy: nostalgia, Parents: parenthood 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Many people are
in chase of minutes and hours --
and they gulp them down.
Veel mensen jagen	Viele jagen den
op minuten en uren --	Minuten und den Stunden --
en verslinden die.	und verschlingen sie.

Poem S2220
Amsterdam, 2024-06-13
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 10
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Life: stream (on the way), Time: passing 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The bond we have is
intimate, we understand --
the words we don't know.
We hebben een band,	Wir sind verbunden,
we begrijpen de woorden --	wir verstehen die Wörter --
die we niet kennen.	die wir nicht kennen.

Poem H4695
Amsterdam, 2024-06-13
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 10
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Love: communication 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A life without kings
becomes chaos, unless you --
are in paradise.
Zonder vorst wordt het	Ohne König ist
een chaos, tenzij je in --	es Chaos, es sei denn, man --
het paradijs bent.	lebt im Paradies.

Poem S2219
Amsterdam, 2024-06-13
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 9-10
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Together: state, Paradise 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

After the defeat,
his doubts buzz around him like --
a mosquito cloud.
Na de nederlaag	Nach der Besiegung
zoemen twijfels om hem heen --	umschwirren ihn die Zweifel --
als een wolk muggen.	wie ein Schwarm Mücken.

Poem H4692
Amsterdam, 2024-06-12
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 8
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: War: flight, Flying: mosquito 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Atman is real Self,
it is breath, the changing life --
It never changes.
De adem is het	Der Atem ist das
veranderlijke leven --	veränderliche Leben --
Onveranderlijk.	Unveränderlich.

Poem H4691
Amsterdam, 2024-06-12
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 8 - Brahman and Atman
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Breath, Paradox 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Divine help is for
young people, and then they have --
to do it themselves.
Goddelijke hulp	Göttliche Hilfe
is voor jongelui, daarna --	ist für die Jungend, danach --
moet je het zelf doen.	muss man es selbst tun.

Poem H4689
Amsterdam, 2024-06-11
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 5
There is maturity despite human neoteny
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Child: upgrow 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

As monarch he rules
from east to west, coast to coast --
Two seas wash his feet.
Als koning heerst hij	Der König herrscht von
van kust tot kust, twee zeeën --	Küste zu Küste, in zwei --
wassen zijn voeten.	Meeren wäscht er sich.

Poem S2218
Amsterdam, 2024-06-11
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 5
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Pride: arrogance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She deceives me, says
that her words are intended --
for the word-people.
Ze misleidt mij, zegt	Sie täuscht mich und sagt,
dat haar woorden bedoeld zijn --	ihre Worte seien nur --
voor de woordmensen.	für die Wort-Menschen.

Poem S2217
Amsterdam, 2024-06-11
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 4
Collections: Low gear, WriteWiser signage 
Keywords: Equality: equivalence, Language: signs 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Words are for the word-
people, she says, you are free --
to just do your job.
Woorden zijn voor woord-	Worte sind für Wort-
mensen, zegt ze, dan kun jij --	Menschen, sagt sie, und du machst --
gewoon je werk doen.	einfach deinen Job.

Poem S2216
Amsterdam, 2024-06-11
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 4
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Equality: inequality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Anything secret
is no good, like a slaughter --
being called a feast.
Iets geheims kan niet	Alles heimliches
deugen, zoals een slachting --	ist nicht gut, wie eine Schlacht --
die feest genoemd wordt.	die man Party nennt.

Poem S2215
Amsterdam, 2024-06-11
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 4
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Secret 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The grey langurs screech
in the main city temple --
and bang the clappers.
De apen krijsen	Die Affen kreischen
in de stadstempel en slaan --	im Stadttempel und schlagen --
tegen de klepels.	laut auf die Klöppel.

Poem S2212
Amsterdam, 2024-06-07
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 2
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: belief, Animals: ape 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The monk is thinking
about the numerous forms --
of lack of knowledge.
De monnik denkt na	Der Mönch denkt über
over de vele vormen --	die unzähligen Formen --
van onwetendheid.	der Unkenntnis nach.

Poem H4682
Amsterdam, 2024-06-07
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Thinking (meditation) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

You'll live long enough
to celebrate successes --
and suffer failures.
Je zult lang genoeg	Du wirst lang genug
leven: successen vieren --	leben: Erfolge feiern --
en ten onder gaan.	und untergehen.

Poem H4681
Amsterdam, 2024-06-07
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 1 Birth, chapter 1
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Life: course (overview), Time: temporality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Characters, even
life-like, are only alive --
within the story.
Ook een levensecht	Auch lebensecht lebt
personage leeft alleen --	eine Figur nur inner-
binnen het verhaal.	halb der Geschichte.

Poem H4649
Amsterdam, 2024-05-27
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
End of the novel, part 3, chapter 21
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Reality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I'm a sane person,
but out of love I believe --
in some afterlife.
Ik ben verstandig,	Ich bin vernünftig,
maar uit liefde geloof ik --	nur aus Liebe glaube ich --
in een voortbestaan.	an ein Nachleben.

Poem H4648
Amsterdam, 2024-05-27
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 3, chapter 21
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Reason: and feelings, Romance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The light at the end
of the tunnel is my hope:
heaven anyway.
Het licht aan het eind	Das Licht am Ende
van de tunnel is mijn hoop --	des Tunnels, meine Hoffnung:
op toch een hemel.	der Himmel trotzdem.

Poem H4647
Amsterdam, 2024-05-27
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 3, chapter 21
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Hope, Heaven / Sky / Hell 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I make an effort
to be worthy of you to --
be worthy myself.
Moeite doen om jou	Ich bemühe mich,
waardig te zijn en zo ook --	deiner würdig zu sein, und --
zelf iets waard te zijn.	damit auch meiner.

Poem H4646
Amsterdam, 2024-05-27
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 3, chapter 21
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Love: effort / pain 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The laws help you know
which official to convince --
to get what you want.
Door wetten weet je	Gesetze lehren,
wie je moet overtuigen --	wen man überzeugen muss --
om iets te krijgen.	zu Hilfsbereitschaft.

Poem S2204
Amsterdam, 2024-05-27
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 3, chapter 18 - Corruption
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Ethics: laws, Money 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Adjust your world-view,
but only in case you have --
gained a better view.
Stel je wereldbeeld	Pass dein Weltbild an,
steeds bij, maar alleen als je --	aber nur, wenn deine Sicht --
beter bent gaan zien.	sich verbessert hat.

Poem H4645
Amsterdam, 2024-05-27
The Self and Others (Ronald David Laing) - 1961
Study "The Self and Others" - 'Do not adjust your mind, there is a fault in reality'
Novel "Quichotte" (2019, Salman Rushdie), part 3, chapter 18
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: World(view), Reason: critical 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Laing, Ronald David 

Women wearing veils,
doing it of free will here --
supports the men there.
Vrouwen in sluiers,	Frauen in Schleiern,
wie dat hier vrijwillig doet --	wer das hier freiwillig tut --
steunt daar de mannen.	stützt dort die Männer.

Poem S2203
Amsterdam, 2024-05-27
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 3, chapter 17
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: People: men (aggression), Equality: women 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

See what's happening:
citizens stomping around --
like real mastodons.
Zie wat er gebeurt:	Siehe, was passiert:
zie de burgers rondstampen --	die Bürger stampfen herum --
als mastodonten.	wie Mastodonten.

Poem H4638
Amsterdam, 2024-05-24
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Sancho is overcome by a fantasy about a small town in New Jersey called Berenger
Populism, incitement to discontent
Novel, part 2, chapter 12
Play "Rhinocéros" ("Rhinoceros", 1959, Eugène Ionesco) about fascist conformism
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Change: revolution, Politics 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Ionesco, Eugène 

Providing a hold
by staying the same, that's good --
about religion.
Houvast bieden, steeds	Halt bieten, immer
hetzelfde blijven is het --	gleich bleiben, ist das Gute --
goede aan godsdienst.	an der Religion.

Poem S2202
Amsterdam, 2024-05-23
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 2, chapter 9
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: hold 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I wake up. But hey!
Where did I sleep? Where am I? --
And today is when?
Ik word wakker. Hee!	Ich wache auf. Hei!
Waar sliep ik? Waar ben ik nu? --	Wo habe ich geschlafen? --
En wanneer is dat?	Wo bin ich? Und wann?

Poem S2201
Amsterdam, 2024-05-23
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 2, chapter 9
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Awareness: reality, Sleep 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Everything normal:
the queen size beds, the TV --
and the pizza box.
Alles is normaal:	Alles ist normal:
het grote bed, de tv --	das Bett, der Fernseher, und --
en de pizzadoos.	die Pizzaschachtel.

Poem H4637
Amsterdam, 2024-05-23
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
American motel
Novel, part 2, chapter 9
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Usual / Normal 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

To heavenly goals
lead only untrodden paths --
only worldly paths.
Naar een hemels doel	Zum himmlischen Ziel
leidt een ongebaande weg --	führt ein ungebahnter Weg --
een wereldse weg.	ein weltlicher Weg.

Poem H4636
Amsterdam, 2024-05-23
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 1, chapter 7
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: revolution, Idealism 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Dating shows teach you
that you have to audition --
your beloved one.
Een datingshow leert,	Eine Dating-Show
dat je bij je geliefde --	lehrt, dass eine Geliebte --
auditie moet doen.	dich befragen wird.

Poem H4635
Amsterdam, 2024-05-23
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 1, chapter 7
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Love: seducing 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

There's a mystery
in him that I like to know --
don't, do, like to know.
Er is een raadsel	Das Rätsel in ihm
in hem dat ik wil kennen --	möchte ich kennen, gerne --
niet, wel, wil kennen.	kennen, nicht kennen.

Poem H4634
Amsterdam, 2024-05-23
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 1, chapter 6
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Love: intimacy 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Every character
in her books is pathetic:
a fatherless child.
Elk personage	In ihren Büchern
in haar boeken is zielig:	ist jede Figur rührend:
een vaderloos kind.	ein Vaterloser.

Poem S2199
Amsterdam, 2024-05-21
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
The writer as mother of the characters in her books
Novel, part 1, chapter 6
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Writing: attuning, Psyche 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

My childhood is now
a story, told with a smile --
at dinner parties.
Mijn kindertijd is	Meine Kindheit ist
nu een verhaal, met een lach --	eine Geschichte, erzählt --
verteld op een feest.	auf einer Party.

Poem H4629
Amsterdam, 2024-05-21
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 1, chapter 4
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Memory: of one's life 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

It's unreal, the world
of the screens, you live in it --
like Don Quixote.
Onechte wereld	Die unechte Welt
van het scherm, daarin leef je --	der Schirme, du lebst darin --
als een Don Quichot.	wie Don Quijote.

Poem S2198
Amsterdam, 2024-05-20
Quichotte (Salman Rushdie) - 2019
Novel, part 1, chapter 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Reality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

To reconcile us
I sing appropriate words --
the old well-known song.
Ter verzoening zing	Zur Versöhnung sing
ik de woorden die passen --	ich die passenden Worte --
het bekende lied.	das bekannte Lied.

Poem H4530
Amsterdam, 2024-02-22
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie)
Bird on the Wire (Leonard Cohen) - 1968
Song about Leonard Cohen and Marianne Jensen, 1969 album "Songs from a Room"; 1968 release by Judy Collins (album "Who Knows Where the Time Goes")
Novel "The Golden House" (2017, Salman Rushdie), chapter (3-) 34
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Self-expression (social) 
Tribute to: Cohen, Leonard; Rushdie, Salman 

Our fantasy way
too often takes us along --
into its whirlpools.
Onze fantasie	Die Fantasie nimmt
voert ons maar al te vaak mee --	uns leider viel zu oft mit --
in haar draaikolken.	in ihre Malströme.

Poem S2136
Amsterdam, 2024-02-21
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (3-) 30
About the dangerous strait near Rhion in Greece, between the Gulf of Patras and the Gulf of Corinth, there is the story of the nymph Charybdis ("she who sucks down"), who was enchanted by Zeus into a whirlpool
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Reason: ignore 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The many muzzles
of other people's desires --
snap wildly at us.
De vele muilen	Die vielen Mäuler
van andermans begeerte --	der Begierde anderer --
happen wild naar ons.	schnappen wild nach uns.

Poem S2135
Amsterdam, 2024-02-21
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (3-) 30
About Cape Skilla (a.k.a. Akra Kokala) with its dangerous rocky peaks, located near Preveza in Epirus (west coast of Greece), there is the story of the nymph Scylla, who was enchanted into a monster with six dog heads
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Greed 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Contractors follow
the only law that applies:
always keep building.
Aannemers volgen	Bauunternehmer
de enige wet die geldt:	befolgen das Hauptgesetz:
de bouw moet doorgaan.	der Bau muss weiter.

Poem S2134
Amsterdam, 2024-02-21
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (3-) 31
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: growth 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The grand Golden Queen:
here and now you can be her --
just by make-believe.
Gouden Koningin:	Die Goldkönigin:
jij kunt haar zijn, je laat het --	du kannst sie sein, andere --
mensen geloven.	lässt du dran glauben.

Poem S2133
Amsterdam, 2024-02-21
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (2-) 28
The Golden King: El Rey Dorado / El Dorado
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: manipulation 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The single greatest
economic power is --
bribeandcorruption.
De allergrootste	Die allergrößte
economische kracht is --	wirtschaftliche Kraft ist die --
smeergeldomkoping.	Schmiergeldbestechung.

Poem S2132
Amsterdam, 2024-02-20
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (2-) 23
Baksheesh = Gift, Tip >> "briberyandcorruption"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: wealth 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

On left, there's chaos,
on right, the world seems normal --
together, the truth.
Links zie ik chaos,	Links seh ich Chaos,
rechts lijkt alles in orde --	rechts scheint alles gut zu sein --
Samen de waarheid.	Gemeinsam: Wahrheit.

Poem H4529
Amsterdam, 2024-02-20
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (2-) 22
Apu Golden's left eye suffers from wet age-related macular degeneration
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: World(view), Truth: coherence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Please forget the facts,
they belong to the elite --
which is suspicious.
Vergeet de feiten,	Vergiss Fakten, die
ze zijn van de elite --	gehören zur Elite --
en die is verdacht.	die verdächtig ist.

Poem S2130
Amsterdam, 2024-02-20
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (2-) 22
This is a post-factual time
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Illusions: wish, Elite 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I'm thinking aloud
and looking out the window --
There, the river flows.
Hardop nadenken	Einfach laut denken
en wat uit het raam kijken --	und aus dem Fenster schauen --
Buiten stroomt de rivier.	Draußen fließt der Fluss.

Poem H4528
Amsterdam, 2024-02-20
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (2-) 22
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Thinking (order), Life: stream (motion) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

In the big city,
one person's ceiling is an-
other person's floor.
In de grote stad	In Städten ist die
is het plafond van de een --	Decke des einen Boden --
vloer voor een ander.	eines anderen.

Poem H4523
Amsterdam, 2024-02-16
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (2-) 21
"Nani gigantum humeris insidentes" ("Dwarfs perched on the shoulders of giants"), Bernard van Chartres, early 12^th century, among others, quoted by Isaac Newton
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: City (crowded) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Human intellect
is the natural basis --
of all righteousness.
Het menselijke	Menschlicher Verstand
verstand is het fundament --	ist der natürliche Grund --
van deugdzaam gedrag.	der Rechtschaffenheit.

Poem H4522
Amsterdam, 2024-02-16
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (2-) 16
Synderesis: general moral sense of persons (the rational soul); originally an incorrect copy of the word syneidesis (conscience)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Reason: logic, Ethics: virtues 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

You cry in your sleep,
that is a side of yourself --
that you don't know yet.
Jij huilt in je slaap,	Du weinst im Schlaf, das
dat is een kant van jezelf --	ist eine Seite von dir --
die je nog niet kent.	die du noch nicht kennst.

Poem H4521
Amsterdam, 2024-02-15
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (1-) 12
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Self-knowledge (learn) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The palace houses
parties, madness, betrayal --
Still it does remain.
Het paleis huisvest	Im Palast wohnen
feesten, waanzin en verraad --	Feier, Wahnsinn und Verrat --
Toch blijft het bestaan.	Dennoch besteht es.

Poem S2128
Amsterdam, 2024-02-14
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (1-) 6
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: demonstration 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A golden story
is not forged of sparkling truth --
It shines with deceit.
Een gouden verhaal	Nicht mit Wahrheit glänzt
is niet gesmeed van waarheid --	die goldene Geschichte --
Het blinkt van bedrog.	sondern mit Betrug.

Poem S2127
Amsterdam, 2024-02-14
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapters (1-) 6 and (2-) 23
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Stories: (un)truth 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The gold is shining
more and more, and so brightly --
that it catches fire.
Het goud gaf steeds meer	Das Gold glänzt immer
licht en ging zo fel blinken --	mehr und es leuchtet so hell --
dat het vlam vatte.	dass es Feuer fängt.

Poem S2126
Amsterdam, 2024-02-14
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapters (1-) 6 and (2-) 29
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Wealth: abundance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The Golden House, all
golden houses are beliefs --
in an illusion.
Het Gouden Huis, elk	Das Goldene Haus,
gouden huis is een geloof --	jedes, ist ein Glaube an --
in een illusie.	eine Illusion.

Poem S2125
Amsterdam, 2024-02-13
The Golden House (Salman Rushdie) - 2017
Novel, chapter (1-) 2
Domus Aurea (Golden House) of emperor Nero in Rome
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Illusions: story 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

My foe shows no light,
but I do sense some little --
dark within myself.
In de vijand zie	Im Feind sehe ich
ik geen licht, wel voel ik iets --	kein Licht, aber ich spüre --
donkers in mijzelf.	was Dunkles in mir.

Poem H4566
Amsterdam, 2024-03-19
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 8 "In Which the Tide Begins to Turn"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Self-knowledge (honest) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The animals, we,
present in Becoming-Time --
God is Being-Time.
Mensen en dieren	Menschen und Tiere
leven in Wordende Tijd --	leben in Werdender Zeit --
God is Zijnde Tijd.	Gott ist Alle Zeit.

Poem H4565
Amsterdam, 2024-03-19
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 8 "In Which the Tide Begins to Turn"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Time: eternity, Religion: God(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Tourists are mining
in museums everywhere --
for the tourist gold.
Toeristen delven	Touristen schürfen
overal in musea --	in Museen überall --
het toeristengoud.	das Touristengold.

Poem S2152
Amsterdam, 2024-03-19
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 8 "In Which the Tide Begins to Turn"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Tourism 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Within every
story new stories, that's how --
the universe works.
Binnen elk verhaal	Neue Geschichten
een nieuw verhaal, zo lijkt het --	in jeder Geschichte, so --
heelal te werken.	läuft es im Weltall.

Poem H4564
Amsterdam, 2024-03-19
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 7 "Within the Chinese Box,"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Universe: connection 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She never shuts up,
in my sleep she keeps talking:
Radio Married.
Ze houdt nooit haar mond,	Sie hält nie den Mund,
in mijn slaap praat ze maar door:	sie redet in meinem Schlaf:
Radio Getrouwd.	Radio Ehe.

Poem H4563
Amsterdam, 2024-03-18
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 6 "Dunia in Love, Again"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: People: women 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Human babies are
infected from birth, with the --
story parasite.
Mensen besmetten	Menschen verseuchen
hun baby's meteen met de --	ihre Babys sofort mit --
verhaalparasiet.	ihren Geschichten.

Poem H4562
Amsterdam, 2024-03-18
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 4 "The Strangenessses"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Stories: order 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The jinns: a man looks
in the mirror and he sees --
the back of his head.
De djinns: een man kijkt	Die Dschinns: ein Mann schaut
in de spiegel en hij ziet --	in den Spiegel und er sieht --
daar zijn achterhoofd.	seinen Hinterkopf.

Poem S2151
Amsterdam, 2024-03-13
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 4 "The Strangenessses"
Painting "La réproduction interdite" ("Not to be reproduced", 1937, René Magritte)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Spirit / Ghost(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Magritte, René 

The jinns: a man falls
and a lot of ants crawls out --
of his gaping hand.
De djinns: een man valt	Die Dschinns: ein Mann fällt
en er kruipen mieren uit --	und Ameisen kriechen aus --
het gat in zijn hand.	dem Loch in der Hand.

Poem S2150
Amsterdam, 2024-03-13
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 4 "The Strangenessses"
Film "Un Chien Andalou" ("An Andalusian Dog", 1929, Luis Buñuel, screenplay with Salvador Dalí)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Fear: bad dream 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Buñuel, Luis 

The jinns: a cloud cuts
through the moon and through the eye --
that looks at the moon.
De djinns: een wolk snijdt	Die Dschinns durchschneiden
door de maan en door het oog --	den Mond und das Auge, das --
dat naar de maan kijkt.	den Mond betrachtet.

Poem S2149
Amsterdam, 2024-03-13
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 4 "The Strangenessses"
Film "Un Chien Andalou" ("An Andalusian Dog", 1929, Luis Buñuel, screenplay with Salvador Dalí)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Fear: bad dream 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Buñuel, Luis 

Then, Adam and Eve
invented god and soon he --
was superior.
Adam en Eva	Adam und Eva
bedachten god en al gauw --	erfanden Gott und bald war --
was die hen de baas.	er überlegen.

Poem H4557
Amsterdam, 2024-03-13
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 4 "The Strangenessses"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: God(s), Power: pride 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Behind her: a man,
his head perched on her shoulder --
like a frightful hawk.
Achter haar: een man,	Hinter ihr: ein Mann,
wiens hoofd op haar schouder zit --	sein Kopf auf ihrer Schulter --
zoals een havik.	wie ein Haushabicht.

Poem S2148
Amsterdam, 2024-03-12
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 2 "Mr Geronimo"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: People: men (aggression) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

So strange, wealth offers
everything to be happy --
and yet it doesn't work.
Rijkdom biedt alles	Die Reichen haben
voor een gelukkig leven --	alles, um glücklich zu sein --
en toch werkt dat niet.	aber sind es nicht.

Poem S2147
Amsterdam, 2024-03-12
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 2 "Mr Geronimo": 'The rich are obscure to us, finding ways to be unhappy when all the normal causes of unhappiness are removed.'
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Wealth: supply 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Owners own the land,
but the gardens will belong --
to the gardeners.
Ja, de eigenaar	Dem Eigentümer
bezit de grond, maar de tuin --	gehört das Land, der Garten --
is van de tuinman.	gehört dem Gärtner.

Poem H4556
Amsterdam, 2024-03-12
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 2 "Mr Geronimo"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Nature: garden, park 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A tangled patchwork,
bits of all kinds of people --
that's how Mumbai was.
Een lappendeken	Ein Flickenteppich
van mensen, van alles wat --	aus allerlei Menschen, so --
zo was Mumbai toen.	war Mumbai damals.

Poem H4555
Amsterdam, 2024-03-11
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 2 "Mr Geronimo"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Together: society, Bharat (India) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I never dare to
speak to them, not one of them --
does even see me.
Ik durf hen niet aan	Ich traue mich nicht,
te spreken, niet een van hen --	sie an zu sprechen, keiner --
heeft aandacht voor mij.	achtet je auf mich.

Poem S2146
Amsterdam, 2024-03-10
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 2 "Mr Geronimo"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Contact: avoid 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Better not to count
on society or God --
Provide for supplies.
Reken liever niet	Verlasse dich nicht
op de maatschappij of God --	auf die Gesellschaft und Gott --
Zorg voor voorraden.	Halte Vorräte.

Poem S2145
Amsterdam, 2024-03-10
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 2 "Mr Geronimo"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Care: thinking ahead 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The tempest tears roofs
away from attic secrets --
devours people's pasts.
De storm rukt daken	Der Sturm reißt Dächer
weg van zoldergeheimen --	von Geheimnissen, verschlingt --
verslindt verledens.	Vergangenheiten.

Poem S2144
Amsterdam, 2024-03-10
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 2 "Mr Geronimo"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Nature: force / violence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The grand parade is
over, and never over:
unforgettable.
De grote optocht	Der große Umzug
is voorbij, en nooit voorbij:	ist vorbei, und nie vorbei:
onvergetelijk.	ja unvergesslich.

Poem H4554
Amsterdam, 2024-03-10
Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights (Salman Rushdie) - 2015
Novel "Two Years Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights" (which is 1001 nights), chapter 1, The Children of Ibn Rushd (Averroes, 1126-1198)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Memory: of one's life 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

People are killing
each other, they want their God --
to be the victor.
Mensen vermoorden	Menschen töten sich
elkaar, ze willen hun God --	gegenseitig, denn ihr Gott --
als overwinnaar.	muss triumphieren.

Poem S2245
Amsterdam, 2024-06-30
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 19
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: allmightiness, Pride: arrogance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I already know
what comes after the last page:
pages that are blank.
Ik weet wat er komt	Ich weiß bereits, was
na de laatste bladzijde:	nach der letzten Seite kommt:
lege bladzijden.	Seiten, die leer sind.

Poem H4736
Amsterdam, 2024-06-30
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 19
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Life: course (end) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Two people travel
and they discover the world --
A journey called Love.
Twee mensen reizen	Zwei Menschen reisen,
en ontdekken de wereld --	entdecken die Welt, ihre --
Hun reis heet Liefde.	Reise heißt Liebe.

Poem H4735
Amsterdam, 2024-06-30
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 19
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Life: discover / explore 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

It's all made of gold:
temples, sacrifices, priests --
for a golden god.
Alles is van goud:	Alles ist aus Gold:
tempels, offers en priesters --	Tempel, Opfer und Priester --
voor een gouden god.	denn Gott ist aus Gold.

Poem S2244
Amsterdam, 2024-06-30
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 19
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: hold 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Please help him, holy
woman we don't see, help us --
You are one of us.
Help hem, heilige	Hilf ihm, heilige
vrouw die wij niet zien, help ons --	Frau, die wir nicht sehen, Du --
Je bent een van ons.	bist einer von uns.

Poem S2243
Amsterdam, 2024-06-30
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 19
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: prayer, Illusions: wish 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Faith is guidable,
while superstition hardly --
can be influenced.
Geloof is buigbaar,	Glaube ist lenkbar,
maar bijgeloof is zelden --	Aberglaube ist aber --
te beïnvloeden.	kaum beeinflussbar.

Poem S2242
Amsterdam, 2024-06-29
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 19
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: belief, Illusions: worldview 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Duty of plunder:
it is attractive to them --
The chosen people.
Plundering als plicht	Plünderung als Pflicht
is aantrekkelijk voor hen:	ist für sie sehr attraktiv:
uitverkorenen.	die Auserwählten.

Poem S2241
Amsterdam, 2024-06-29
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 19 - Afghan tribes, led, misled and incited by religious doctrines
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: cruelty, Pride: arrogance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

There is no wisdom
in the East, no, everywhere --
people are foolish.
Er is geen wijsheid	Weisheit im Osten
in het oosten, overal --	existiert nicht, überall --
zijn de mensen dwaas.	sind die Menschen dumm.

Poem S2240
Amsterdam, 2024-06-29
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 18
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Stupidity 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The king and the pope,
God too, they say, and Satan --
are De' Medici.
De vorst en de paus,	Der Fürst und der Papst,
ook God, zegt men, en Satan --	auch Gott, sagt man, und Satan --
zijn De' Medici.	sind De' Medici.

Poem S2239
Amsterdam, 2024-06-28
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 16-17 - Florentine De' Medici family in the 15th century
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: , Power: corruption 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Suffering nameless
pains in the nameless cellars --
Nameless torturers.
Naamloze pijnen	Namenlose Schmerzen
in de naamloze kelders --	in namenlosen Kellern --
Naamloze beulen.	Namenlose Henker.

Poem S2238
Amsterdam, 2024-06-28
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 16
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Pain, Power: violence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Never show beauty
to anyone, you don't want --
to lose it, do you?
Laat schoonheid niet zien,	Zeige niemandem
aan niemand, want je wilt haar --	die Schönheit, denn du willst sie --
niet gaan verliezen.	ja nicht verlieren.

Poem S2237
Amsterdam, 2024-06-28
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 3, chapter 16
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Greed 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Tabriz: fine carpets,
all over on the hillsides --
drying in the sun.
Tabriz: vloerkleden,	Tabriz: Teppiche,
overal op de heuvels --	überall auf den Hügeln --
drogend in de zon.	um auszutrocknen.

Poem H4734
Amsterdam, 2024-06-28
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 2, chapter 15
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Culture: skill / competence, Afghanistan 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Over there they worship
strange gods, but their death will be --
just the same as ours.
Daar aanbidden ze	Sie beten fremde
vreemde goden, maar sterven --	Götter an, aber sterben --
doen ze net als wij.	genauso wie wir.

Poem S2236
Amsterdam, 2024-06-24
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 2, chapter 10
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: hold 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The painting shows the
nation that is not yet there --
It's a creation.
Het schilderij toont	Die Leinwand zeigt die
het rijk dat er nog niet is --	Nation, die es noch nicht gibt --
Het is een schepping.	Ein Akt der Schöpfung.

Poem H4733
Amsterdam, 2024-06-24
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 9
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Fantasy: imagination 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Oops, once invented,
a god is inherently --
indestructible.
Oei, eenmaal bedacht	Einmal erfunden,
is een god in aanleg ook --	ist ein Gott von Natur aus --
onvernietigbaar.	auch unzerstörbar.

Poem S2235
Amsterdam, 2024-06-23
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 6
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: God(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Would religion be
a mistake that people pass --
on to their children?
Is godsdienst een fout	Ist Religion ein
die de mensen doorgeven --	Fehler, den man weitergibt --
aan hun kinderen?	an seine Kinder?

Poem S2234
Amsterdam, 2024-06-23
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 6
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: hold, Illusions: story 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Taking a rash risk
after consideration --
may that be courage?
Weloverwogen	Unbesonnene
onbezonnen risico's --	Risiken mit Bedacht ein-
nemen, is dat moed?	gehen, ist das Mut?

Poem H4732
Amsterdam, 2024-06-23
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 6
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Courage, Paradox 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A sorcerer doesn't
need a wand or other stuff --
Words are sufficient.
Tovenaars hebben	Zauberer brauchen
geen toverstok nodig, niets --	keinen Zauberstab, gar nichts --
Woorden zijn genoeg.	Worte genügen.

Poem H4731
Amsterdam, 2024-06-23
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 5
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Illusions: story 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

All religions are
certainly right: the other --
gods do not exist.
Alle godsdiensten	Religionen
hebben gelijk: andere --	wissen: andere Götter --
goden bestaan niet.	existieren nicht.

Poem H4730
Amsterdam, 2024-06-22
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 4 - The logic of atheism
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Reason: logic, Religion: God(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The Emperor: 'We',
after all, he speaks and acts --
on behalf of all.
De keizer is 'Wij',	Der Kaiser ist 'Wir',
hij spreekt en handelt immers --	schließlich spricht und handelt er --
namens iedereen.	im Namen aller.

Poem H4729
Amsterdam, 2024-06-22
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 3
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Leadership 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The board of their game
is the garden, with servants --
being the pieces.
Het bord van hun spel	Das Brett ihres Spiels
is de tuin, met dienstmeisjes --	ist der Garten, mit Mädchen --
als hun zetstukken.	als Spielfiguren.

Poem S2233
Amsterdam, 2024-06-22
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 3 – Pachisi - at the court of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Equality: inequality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The city grows on,
as if there were no workers --
but a magician.
De stad groeit vanzelf,	Die Stadt wächst von selbst,
alsof ze niet opgebouwd --	als würde sie nicht gebaut --
maar getoverd wordt.	sondern gezaubert.

Poem H4728
Amsterdam, 2024-06-22
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 3
Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')
The magically rapid growth of this city is also told in the novel "Victory City" (2023, Salman Rushdie)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: City (knot) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Ow, my secret hurts,
it eats me, hollows me out --
Alive I am dead.
Mijn geheim doet pijn,	Mein Geheimnis frisst
het vreet mij aan, holt mij uit --	mich, höhlt mich innerlich aus --
Ik ben levend dood.	Lebend bin ich tot.

Poem S2231
Amsterdam, 2024-06-21
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 2 - Covert homosexuality
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Secret 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The highest ruler,
the self, is hungry, in need --
of beauty and love.
De hoogste heerser,	Der höchste Herrscher,
het zelf, heeft honger, behoeft --	das Selbst, ist hungrig, bedürft --
schoonheid en liefde.	Schönheit und Liebe.

Poem H4725
Amsterdam, 2024-06-21
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 2
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Love: Give To Be, Need 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Water is royal:
a king without water falls --
apart into dust.
Koninklijk water:	Das Königswasser:
een vorst zonder water valt --	ein Fürst ohne Wasser fällt --
uiteen in wat stof.	und zerfällt in Staub.

Poem H4724
Amsterdam, 2024-06-21
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 1, and part 3, chapter 19
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Earth: mother 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He is not a spy
and not a child, just silly --
with his secrecy.
Hij is geen spion	Er ist kein Spion,
en geen kind, dus niet goed wijs --	kein Kind, nur nicht ganz gescheit --
met zijn geheimen.	mit der Heimlichkeit.

Poem S2230
Amsterdam, 2024-06-21
The Enchantress of Florence (Salman Rushdie) - 2008
Novel, part 1, chapter 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Communication (incomprehension) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Since there are no more
poets to hold up the sky --
the state gets shattered.
Er zijn geen dichters	Keine Dichter mehr,
meer die de hemel dragen --	die den Himmel hochhalten --
De staat wordt geplet.	Der Staat wird zerquetscht.

Poem S2224
Amsterdam, 2024-06-16
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 4 Fall, chapter 21
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Poetry: a profession, Stories: connection 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

This golden age will
last forever, you believe --
Yet, problems arise.
Deze gouden tijd	Das goldene Zeit-
zal eeuwig duren, denk je --	alter wird dauern, glaubst du --
Maar toch, problemen.	Trotzdem, Probleme.

Poem S2223
Amsterdam, 2024-06-14
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 12
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Prosperity 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The reformers make
the future correspond with --
the way it once was.
Hervormers laten	Für Reformer fällt
de toekomst samenvallen --	die Zukunft zusammen mit --
met hoe het ooit was.	wie es einmal war.

Poem S2222
Amsterdam, 2024-06-13
Victory City (Salman Rushdie) - 2023
Novel "Victory City" [Vijayanagar >> Bisnaga, based on Fatehpur Sikri ('Victory City', near Agra), the capital of Emperor Abdul-Fath Jalaluddin 'Akbar' (= 'the Great' >> 'Akbar the Great')], part 2 Exile, chapter 11
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Change: reactionary, Politics 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

If dead were to dream
they would definitely dream --
of death all the time.
Als doden zouden	Wenn Toten träumen
dromen, zouden ze alsmaar --	könnten, würden sie immer --
dromen van de dood.	nur vom Tod träumen.

Poem H4628
Amsterdam, 2024-05-19
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Kashmira, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Decay, Death: silence / lifeless 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The hamlet decays,
being struck by the twins of --
poverty and fear.
Het dorp verkommert,	Der Weiler verfällt,
getroffen door de tweeling --	geplagt von den Zwillingen --
armoede en angst.	von Armut und Angst.

Poem S2197
Amsterdam, 2024-05-19
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Kashmira, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Decay, Poverty: visible 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He's a loving man,
he will be worthy of me --
when I am ready.
Hij is liefdevol,	Er ist liebevoll,
hij is mij zeker waard als --	er wird meiner würdig sein --
ik er klaar voor ben.	wenn ich bereit bin.

Poem H4627
Amsterdam, 2024-05-19
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Kashmira, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Love: flawed/doubt/powerless 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He's looking at me,
I feel a kiss, but he's still --
sitting over there.
Hij kijkt steeds naar mij,	Er sieht mich an, ich
ik voel een kus in mijn nek --	spüre einen Kuss, aber --
maar hij zit daar nog.	er sitzt noch drüben.

Poem H4626
Amsterdam, 2024-05-19
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Kashmira, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: In love: unsure 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Ruins, the hamlet
seems to have been burrowed through --
by super-sized worms.
Ruïnes, het dorp	Ruinen, das Dorf
lijkt wel omgewoeld te zijn --	scheint durchwühlt worden zu sein --
door reuzenwormen.	von Riesenwürmern.

Poem S2196
Amsterdam, 2024-05-19
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Kashmira, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Decay, Animals: worm / maggot 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Gold and reserves don't
really matter in my life --
but the future does.
Goud noch reserves	Gold und Reserven
doen ertoe in mijn leven --	sind unwichtig im Leben --
alleen de toekomst.	nur die Zukunft zählt.

Poem H4625
Amsterdam, 2024-05-19
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Kashmira, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Future: wish 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Why aren't there angels
keeping watch, not even here --
in Los Angeles?
Waarom waken er	Warum wachen hier
geen engelen, niet eens hier --	keine Engel, nicht einmal --
in Los Angeles?	in Los Angeles?

Poem H4624
Amsterdam, 2024-05-19
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Kashmira, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Care: neighbours (charity), Angel / Devil 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She doesn't even know
whether she prefers justice --
or bloody revenge.
Ze is onzeker	Sie weiß nicht einmal,
of zij gerechtigheid wil --	ob sie ja Gerechtigkeit --
of bloedige wraak.	oder Rache will.

Poem H4623
Amsterdam, 2024-05-19
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Kashmira, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Together: justice, Revenge 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The world is no good,
the rage of the orthodox --
will purify it.
De wereld deugt niet,	Die Welt ist nicht gut,
de toorn der gelovigen --	der Zorn der Strenggläubigen --
zal haar zuiveren.	wird sie reinigen.

Poem S2195
Amsterdam, 2024-05-18
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
In Afghanistan, mujahideen fought for freedom against the Russian occupation and they legitimised this with an incorrect explanation of the Islamic doctrine
Novel, chapter Shalimar the Clown, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: revolution, Afghanistan 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Hell would be better,
but no gate opens, because --
she's already there.
Ze wil naar de hel,	Sie will zur Hölle,
maar er gaat geen poort open --	doch es öffnet sich kein Tor --
want ze is er al.	weil sie schon da ist.

Poem S2194
Amsterdam, 2024-05-18
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Shalimar the Clown, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Heaven / Sky / Hell, Alone: separated 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Manly love happens
to be action, it comes down --
to fighting dangers.
Ach, mannelijke	Na ja, männliche
liefde is actie, vechten --	Liebe ist Tat, ist Kämpfen --
tegen gevaren.	gegen Gefahren.

Poem S2193
Amsterdam, 2024-05-18
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Shalimar the Clown, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: People: men (aggression) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

God doesn't ask people
for their love, but only for --
their obedience.
God vraagt de mensen	Nur, von den Menschen
niet om hun liefde, maar om --	verlangt Gott keine Liebe --
hun gehoorzaamheid.	sondern Gehorsam.

Poem S2192
Amsterdam, 2024-05-18
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Shalimar the Clown, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Pride: arrogance, Revelation 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

All the resistance
fighters are afraid, they are --
baptise them in Love.
De verzetsstrijders	Die Partisanen
zijn steeds bang, er zijn er veel --	haben immer Angst, sie sind --
te weinig van hen.	viel zu wenige.

Poem S2191
Amsterdam, 2024-05-18
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Shalimar the Clown, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: War: fight/resistance/guerrilla 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The living dead are
free of Time, their sufferings --
baptise them in Love.
Levende doden	Lebende Tote
zijn vrij van de tijd, hun pijn --	sind frei von der Zeit, ihr Schmerz --
doopt hen in Liefde.	tauft sie in Liebe.

Poem S2186
Amsterdam, 2024-05-17
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Shalimar the Clown, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: promise, Love: is all 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Back in the village,
looked at like a dead person --
an evil spirit.
Terug in het dorp,	Zurück im Dorf, als
bekeken als een dode --	eine Tote angeblickt --
als een boze geest.	als ein böser Geist.

Poem S2185
Amsterdam, 2024-05-17
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Shalimar the Clown, § 1 - Boonyi returns to her village, where she has been declared dead
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Spirit / Ghost(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Intentional misunderstanding Amsterdam is a code word for my husband, whom I love despite everything, I talk about him and my lover fantasises a paradise of the city where the facades smell of flowers, the streets are avenues to parks and the river feeds everyone with milk and honey By the MP who senselessly attacks demonstrators kills discussions and restricts freedoms out of imagined love without any idea that a country, a body is being occupied by force I mean him, and he is suing the government

Poem 5533
Amsterdam, 2024-05-16
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, about Boonyi, in the chapter "Max"
Amsterdam: in the novel it is Kashmir (called paradise in the chapter "India"), as indication for Shalimar the Clown
MP: military police
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Communication (half, half-hearted) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Everybody hates
the power of the soldiers --
Thát is illegal.
De mensen haten	Die Leute hassen
de macht van de soldaten --	die Gewalt der Soldaten --
Dát is illegaal.	Dás ist illegal.

Poem H4621
Amsterdam, 2024-05-07
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Boonyi, § 2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: compulsion / violence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The guests run away,
the staff is left with the feast --
left with the rumours.
De gasten vluchten,	Die Gäste fliehen,
het personeel blijft zitten --	das Personal bleibt allein --
met de geruchten.	mit den Gerüchten.

Poem S2183
Amsterdam, 2024-05-07
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Boonyi, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Care: thinking ahead 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

On a tightrope, you
walk best thinking of it as --
air that carries you.
Op een koord loop je	Auf einem Drahtseil
makkelijk als je het ziet --	gehst du leicht, wenn du es siehst --
als lucht die jou draagt.	als Luft, die dich trägt.

Poem H4620
Amsterdam, 2024-05-07
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter Boonyi, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Attention: focus 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

In a flash she sees
him as a murderer, grave --
flowers at his feet.
Even ziet ze hem	Ganz kurz sieht sie ihn
als moordenaar, grafbloemen --	als Mörder, mit Grabblumen --
rondom zijn voeten.	um seine Füße.

Poem H4619
Amsterdam, 2024-05-07
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter India
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Insight (intuition) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

India is much
more than chaos: through and through --
logical chaos.
India is veel	Indien ist viel
meer dan chaos: door en door --	mehr als Chaos: durch und durch --
logische chaos.	logisches Chaos.

Poem H4618
Amsterdam, 2024-05-06
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter India - 'India is chaos making sense'
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Order: chaos, Bharat (India) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Walking in silence,
listening attentively --
to what the world says.
Zwijgend wandelen	Schweigend spazieren
en aandachtig toehoren --	und aufmerksam zuhören --
wat de wereld zegt.	was die Welt uns sagt.

Poem H4617
Amsterdam, 2024-05-06
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter India
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Attention: surroundings 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I talk in my sleep,
I recorded it and then --
quickly erased it.
Ik praat in mijn slaap,	Ich rede im Schlaf,
ik nam het op en meteen --	ich hab es aufgenommen --
heb ik het gewist.	und sofort gelöscht.

Poem H4616
Amsterdam, 2024-05-06
Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie) - 2005
Novel, chapter India
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Self-knowledge (learn), Sleep 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Rights never will be
granted, first you must suffer --
and then you'll take them.
Rechten worden nooit	Rechte werden nie
verleend, eerst moet je lijden --	gewährt, zuerst leidet man --
en dan neem je ze.	und dann nimmt man sie.

Poem S1711
Amsterdam, 2023-03-16
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 14
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Equality: assert 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

With a clean duster,
the maid goes around the house --
waving like a queen.
Met een stofdoek doet,	Mit dem Staubtuch macht
de werkster het huis, wuivend --	die Putzfrau das Haus, winkend:
als een koningin.	eine Königin.

Poem H3757
Amsterdam, 2023-03-15
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 14
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Equality: self-respect 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Tall- and slim-doctors,
treat you just like an object --
Are you still human?
Lang- en dundokters	Groß- und Dünn-Ärzte
behandelen je als ding --	behandeln dich wie ein Ding --
Ben je nog een mens?	Bist du noch ein Mensch?

Poem S1710
Amsterdam, 2023-03-15
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 14
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Identity: body 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

With their victory,
the generals earn a lot --
of honour, and rights.
De generaals zijn	Die Generäle
de winnaars, ze verdienen --	verdienen mit dem Sieg viel --
veel eer, en rechten.	Ehre, und Rechte.

Poem S1709
Amsterdam, 2023-03-15
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 12
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: pride 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She is a goddess,
wearing a long train of boys --
like a Golden Goose.
Ze is een godin	Sie ist göttlich, trägt
en draagt een sleep van jongens --	eine Schleppe aus Jungen --
als een zwaan-kleef-aan.	wie ein Schwan-kleb-an.

Poem S1708
Amsterdam, 2023-03-15
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 11, fairy tale "The Golden Goose"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: In love: allurement 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Stamps on the pages
of the letter to my dad:
Not to be censored.
Stempels op elk vel	Auf jeder Seite
van de brief aan mijn vader:	des Briefes an den Vater --
Niet gecensureerd.	gestempelt: Nicht zensiert.

Poem S1707
Amsterdam, 2023-03-15
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 9
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: wielding 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I'm walking my dog
in the sound of the silence --
with my earplugs in.
In het geluid van	Im Klang der Stille
de stilte wandel ik met --	führe ich den Hund aus, mit --
mijn oordopjes in.	den Ohrstöpseln drin.

Poem S1706
Amsterdam, 2023-03-14
Fury (Salman Rushdie)
The Sound of silence (Simon & Garfunkel) - 2001
Novel, § 7
Song "The sound of silence" (1964, Simon & Garfunkel)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Silence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Simon, Paul 

Corpses in the street
look like humans, but fake ones --
more like broken dolls.
Een lijk op straat lijkt	Auf der Straße seh'n
op een mens, een namaak-mens --	Leichen aus wie Menschen, wie --
een kapotte pop.	kaputte Puppen.

Poem S1705
Amsterdam, 2023-03-14
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 6
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Death: silence / lifeless 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

It is night, I walk
across the metropolis --
which denies the night.
Midden in de nacht	Mitten in der Nacht
loop ik door de wereldstad --	laufe ich durch die Weltstadt --
die de nacht ontkent.	die die Nacht leugnet.

Poem S1704
Amsterdam, 2023-03-14
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 4
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: City (crowded), Night 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Still to be set up:
the Merry Celebration --
of Counting Blessings.
Nog in te stellen:	Noch einzurichten:
de Viering van het Tellen --	das Frohe Fest des Zählens --
van Zegeningen.	unsrer Segnungen.

Poem H3756
Amsterdam, 2023-03-14
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Gratitude 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Everyone expects
to win and bets money on --
a castle in air.
Iedereen verwacht	Jeder erwartet
te winnen en zet geld in --	zu gewinnen, setzt Geld auf --
op een toekomstdroom.	einem Zukunftstraum.

Poem S1703
Amsterdam, 2023-03-14
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Greed 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

High fashion is more
fashionable than ever --
There's money to burn.
De mode is meer	Die Topmode ist
in de mode dan ooit, want --	modischer denn je, weil der --
geld wil graag rollen.	Rubel rollen muss.

Poem S1702
Amsterdam, 2023-03-14
Fury (Salman Rushdie) - 2001
Novel, § 1
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Wealth: luxury, Prestige 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She relies on me,
I am strong, I am her rock --
I endure the pain.
Ze vertrouwt op mij,	Sie vertraut auf mich,
ik ben sterk, ik ben haar rots --	ich bin stark, ich bin ihr Fels --
en verdraag de pijn.	ertrage den Schmerz.

Poem H4999
Amsterdam, 2024-10-22
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 15 Beneath her feet
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Help (support) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

My photos of her
presence: the pile of dishes,
the untidy bed.
Mijn foto's van haar	Die Fotos ihrer
aanwezigheid: de afwas,	Anwesenheit: das Geschirr,
het beslapen bed.	das zerwühlte Bett.

Poem H4998
Amsterdam, 2024-10-22
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 14 The Whole Catastrophe
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Memory: token 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Nude with sunglasses:
peace on earth, which is almost --
going to perish.
Naakt met zonnebril:	Nackt, Sonnenbrille:
vrede op aarde, bijna --	Frieden auf der Erde, die --
gaat die ten onder.	fast zugrunde geht.

Poem H4996
Amsterdam, 2024-10-21
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 14 The Whole Catastrophe
John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Peace: wish 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I don't read clippings
about me, I weigh how much --
heavier they get.
Knipsels over mij	Ausschnitte über
lees ik niet, ik weeg hoeveel --	mich wäge ich ab, wie viel --
zwaarder ze worden.	schwerer sie werden.

Poem H4995
Amsterdam, 2024-10-21
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 14 The Whole Catastrophe
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Honour / Fame 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A state of my own,
new, within safe walls, that is --
what I call: freedom.
Een eigen staat, nieuw,	Ein eigener Staat,
binnen veilige muren --	neu, sicher ummauert, das --
dat noem ik: vrijheid.	nenne ich: Freiheit.

Poem S2427
Amsterdam, 2024-10-21
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 13 On Pleasure Island
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Safety: home, Freedom: self-determination 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

People from other
worlds are slipping and sliding --
in, and out again.
Er slippen mensen	Menschen aus einer
uit een andere wereld --	anderen Welt schlüpfen ein --
binnen, en weer weg.	und rutschen heraus.

Poem S2426
Amsterdam, 2024-10-20
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 12 Transformer
Hallucinations
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Illusions: neuropathy, Spirit / Ghost(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Take it or leave it,
she demands. He is in love --
and takes it.. for love.
Zeg ja of zeg nee,	Sag ja oder nein,
eist ze. En hij is verliefd --	verlangt sie. Er ist verliebt --
hij zegt Ja.. ik wil.	und sagt Ja.. ich will.

Poem S2425
Amsterdam, 2024-10-20
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 11 Higher Love
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: In love: allurement 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She always looks me
up to talk to me, because --
I know her, her life.
Zij zoekt mij steeds op	Sie sucht mich auf, um
om met me te praten, want --	mit mir zu reden, weil ich --
ik ken haar leven.	ihr Leben kenne.

Poem H4992
Amsterdam, 2024-10-19
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 11 Higher Love
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Friendship: conversations 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Based on looks I have
to take my pants down: rectal --
examination.
Om mijn uiterlijk	Für mein Aussehen
moet het, moet mijn broek omlaag:	muss meine Hose runter:
rectaal onderzoek.	Rektalkontrolle.

Poem S2424
Amsterdam, 2024-10-19
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 10 Season of the Witch
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Foreigners: aversion 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Refugees must learn
to forget their memories:
no Home, Return, Hope.
De vluchtelingen	Flüchtlinge müssen
moeten leren vergeten:	lernen, es zu vergessen:
Thuis, Terugkeer, Hoop.	Heim, Rückkehr, Hoffnung.

Poem S2423
Amsterdam, 2024-10-19
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 9 Membrane
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Home: displaced 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The girls stand ready,
and together they practise --
modest behaviour.
De meisjes staan klaar,	Die Mädchen warten,
tezamen oefenen ze --	gemeinsam üben sie sich --
ingetogenheid.	in Bescheidenheit.

Poem S2422
Amsterdam, 2024-10-19
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 9 Membrane
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: People: women, Education 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

What he and I share
is the AH-period:
our life After Her.
Wat we delen is	Was wir teilen, ist
de NH-periode:	die NI-Periode:
ons leven Na Haar.	die Jahre Nach Ihr.

Poem H4991
Amsterdam, 2024-10-19
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 9 Membrane
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Friendship: understanding 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

They rape her at home,
saying that with me they will --
not be so gentle.
Ze verkrachten haar,	Sie: vergewaltigt,
maar met mij zullen ze niet --	aber zu mir werden sie --
zo zachtzinnig zijn.	weniger sanft sein.

Poem S2421
Amsterdam, 2024-10-19
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 8 The Decisive Moment
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: violence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

It is great to bring
something to light, without words --
showing the secret!
Wow, iets aan het licht	Etwas ans Licht zu
te brengen, zonder woorden --	bringen, ohne Worte das --
het geheim tonen!	Geheimnis zeigen!

Poem H4990
Amsterdam, 2024-10-19
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 8 The Decisive Moment
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Truth: reveal 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

There's a skyscraper
where our villa used to be --
Gigantic gravestone.
Een wolkenkrabber	Ein Wolkenkratzer,
op de plek van ons huis, een --	wo früher unser Haus war --
enorme grafsteen.	Riesiger Grabstein.

Poem S2418
Amsterdam, 2024-10-17
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 6 Disorientations
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: City (stone & steel) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Inexplicable
is the explosion of births --
so chaste people are.
Onverklaarbare	Unerklärbar ist
geboorten-explosie, zo --	diese Geburtsexplosion --
kuis is iedereen.	so keusch sind alle.

Poem S2417
Amsterdam, 2024-10-16
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 4 The Invention of Music
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Taboo 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The floor is ceiling:
you see a metal flower --
spinning beneath you!
De vloer is plafond:	Boden ist Decke:
je ziet een metalen bloem --	sieh, eine Metallblume --
draaien onder je!	dreht sich unter dir!

Poem H4984
Amsterdam, 2024-10-15
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 4 The Invention of Music
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Fantasy: imagination 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

So much he enjoys
her bathing his figure in --
her longing regard.
Hij geniet ervan	Er genießt es, dass
dat hij gebaad wordt in haar --	sie ihn badet in ihren --
verlangende blik.	sehnsüchtigen Blick.

Poem H4983
Amsterdam, 2024-10-15
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 4 The Invention of Music
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Identity: be seen 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The past is hidden
like a treasure, it's hard work --
excavating it.
Het verleden is	Die Vergangenheit
een schat, ontzettend veel werk --	ist ein Schatz, harte Arbeit --
om op te graven.	sie auszugraben.

Poem H4981
Amsterdam, 2024-10-14
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 3 Legends of Thrace
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Past: discover, New: renewal 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Ah, these spat out words
will become unscrupulous --
stones and bullets.
Gespuwde woorden	Gespuckte Worte
worden nietsontzienende --	werden zu rücksichtslosen --
stenen en kogels.	Steinen und Kugeln.

Poem S2416
Amsterdam, 2024-10-14
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 2 Melodies and Silences
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Hatred 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

People expect peace
from her, which confuses her --
so she has no peace.
Mensen verwachten	Alle erwarten
vrede van haar, het verwart --	Frieden von ihr, verwirrt hat --
haar, ze heeft geen rust.	sie keine Ruhe.

Poem S2415
Amsterdam, 2024-10-14
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 1 The Keeper of Bees
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Hero(ine) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

If you are grateful,
but you don't know who to thank --
you may well need God.
Als je dankbaar bent,	Wenn du dankbar bist
maar niet weet wie te danken --	und nicht weißt, wem du danken
heb je God nodig.	sollst, brauchst du wohl Gott.

Poem H4980
Amsterdam, 2024-10-14
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 1 The Keeper of Bees
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Gratitude 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Silence afterwards,
as if it were a photo --
of a child screaming.
Stilte na de ramp,	Stille danach, als
alsof het een foto is --	wäre's ein Foto eines --
waarop een kind schreeuwt.	schreienden Kindes.

Poem H4978
Amsterdam, 2024-10-13
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 1 The Keeper of Bees
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Silence (danger) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The applause rumbles
appallingly, people scream --
because the earth shakes.
Het applaus rommelt	Der Applaus grollt sehr
vervaarlijk, mensen gillen --	gefährlich, Leute schreien --
want de aarde beeft.	denn die Erde bebt.

Poem H4977
Amsterdam, 2024-10-13
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 1 The Keeper of Bees
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Life: survival (reflex) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He's a beauty, like
a flower, I pick and stick --
him between my teeth.
Hij is mooi, ik pluk	Ich pflücke ihn, er
hem als een bloem en steek hem --	ist schön, ich stecke ihn mir --
tussen mijn tanden.	zwischen die Zähne.

Poem S2414
Amsterdam, 2024-10-13
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 1 The Keeper of Bees
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: People: love and sex 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Don't feed the animals With a broad chest a masturbating tongue beautiful feathers, a hot breath and a forked tongue they live on our skin We little horny rats in the eyes of the screaming crowd that rattles the fences in the zoo, the cages in which we are trapped The gorillas who clear the way the hyena who says she is helping the peacock who dresses our hair the dragon for our image and the hissing of the tour manager Don't step on their tails and don't feed them, please Just let their airs explode, no more ground beneath their feet

Poem 5572
Amsterdam, 2024-10-22
the ground beneath her feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapters 1 The Keeper of Bees, 12 Transformer, 13 On Pleasure Island
Music album "Hot rats" (1969, Frank Zappa)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Honour / Fame, Pride: arrogance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 
Composer: Zappa, Frank 

The ground beneath her
feet has taken her, the earth --
whose praises I sang.
De grond onder haar	Der Boden unter
voeten nam haar, de aarde --	ihr nahm sie auf, die Erde --
die ik geroemd heb.	deren Lob ich sang.

Poem H4532
Amsterdam, 2024-02-22
The Ground Beneath Her Feet (Salman Rushdie) - 1999
Novel, chapter 15 Beneath her feet
Song "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" (lyrics Salman Rushdie [1999], music U2, album "All That You Can't Leave Behind" [2000]) - Earthquake / Orpheus mourns
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Sadness: mourning, Beauty: earth 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; U2 

I don't have a hold,
with others, he never looks --
at me lovingly.
Ik heb geen houvast,	Ich hab keinen Halt,
nooit kijkt hij in gezelschap --	in Gesellschaft sieht er nie --
mij liefdevol aan.	mich liebevoll an.

Poem S2173
Amsterdam, 2024-04-07
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "The Moor's Last Sigh", (4-) 20
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Attention: exist 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Time is fluid, here
on the plane, we are floating --
in moments of now.
De tijd is vloeibaar	Die Zeit ist fließend
in het vliegtuig, we zweven --	hier im Flugzeug, wir schweben --
steeds in het heden.	in der Gegenwart.

Poem H4591
Amsterdam, 2024-04-06
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "The Moor's Last Sigh", (4-) 19
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Time: now / present 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Tall bite tales wander
about and attach themselves --
to amputations.
De rondzwervende	Umherschweifende
bijtverhalen hechten zich --	Bissgeschichten heften sich --
aan amputaties.	an Amputierten.

Poem S2172
Amsterdam, 2024-04-04
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "Bombay Central", (3-) 16
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Stories: (un)truth 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Mass of supporters
times corruption-degree squared --
makes a dynasty.
Mensenmassa maal	Gruppenmasse mal
corruptie in het kwadraat --	Korruption im Quadrat macht --
maakt een dynastie.	eine Dynastie.

Poem S2171
Amsterdam, 2024-04-03
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 15
Bharat's (India's) variation of E=mc2 (Energy = mass * lightspeed square) is: D=mc2 (Dynasty = mass-of-supporters * corruption square)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Power: mass, Bharat (India) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

We were citizens,
and suddenly our faith has --
become suspicious.
We waren burgers,	Wir waren Bürger,
en ineens is ons geloof --	und jäh ist unser Glaube --
verdacht geworden.	fraglich geworden.

Poem S2170
Amsterdam, 2024-04-02
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapters "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 13 and "Bombay Central", (3-) 18
State of Emergency in India 1975-1977, declared under Indira Gandhi; oppression of political opponents and non-Hindus
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Together: discord, Religion: hold 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A quick marriage,
with a lasso around us --
to seal it tightly.
Een snelhuwelijk,	Eine Schnell-Heirat,
met een lasso om ons heen --	ein Lasso um uns herum --
als bezegeling.	zur Besiegelung.

Poem S2169
Amsterdam, 2024-04-02
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 12
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Marriage / Wedding, USA 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The sister sails in:
an old ship with white sails tight-
ly around her head.
De non zeilt binnen:	Die Nonne segelt
een oud schip, witte zeilen --	ein: ihre weißen Segel --
staan strak om haar hoofd.	eng um ihren Kopf.

Poem H4590
Amsterdam, 2024-04-02
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 12
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Identity: image 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He is old, his mouth
does not smile with charm, but grins --
like a skeleton.
Hij is oud, zijn mond	Er ist alt, sein Mund
lacht niet betoverend, maar --	lächelt nicht charmant, sondern --
grijnst als een skelet.	grinst wie ein Skelett.

Poem H4589
Amsterdam, 2024-04-02
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 11
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Old age: ailments 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Any overworld
is a palimpsest over --
a scraped underworld.
De bovenwereld	Jede Oberwelt
is een palimpsest over --	ist ein Palimpsest über --
de onderwereld.	einer Unterwelt.

Poem S2168
Amsterdam, 2024-04-02
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapters "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 11 and "The Moor's Last Sigh", (4-) 19
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Power: manipulation, Bharat (India), World(view) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The gypsy child with
the shedding tear has grown up:
now a weeping knight.
Het zigeunerkind	Das Zigeunerkind
met de traan, nu volwassen:	mit der Träne, erwachsen:
een ridder die huilt.	ein Ritter, der weint.

Poem S2167
Amsterdam, 2024-04-01
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 10
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Appearances 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The train uphill runs
in the dark for a short time:
the One Kiss Tunnel.
De trein op de berg	Der Zug den Hügel
rijdt even in het donker:	hinauf fährt kurz im Dunkeln:
de Eén-Kus-Tunnel.	der Ein-Kuss-Tunnel.

Poem H4588
Amsterdam, 2024-04-01
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 9
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: In love: happiness 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The rope is broken,
my lilac-red kite crashes --
although it is free.
Het touw gaat kapot,	Das Seil geht entzwei,
mijn roze vlieger stort neer --	mein rosa Drachen stürzt ab --
ofschoon hij vrij is.	obwohl er frei ist.

Poem S2166
Amsterdam, 2024-04-01
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "Spices from Malabar", (2-) 9
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Freedom: liberation 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Family demands
obedience, love isn't --
invulnerable.
Mijn familie eist	Die Familie
gehoorzaamheid, ach, liefde --	gehorchen? Ach, Liebe macht --
is niet onkwetsbaar.	nicht unverwundbar.

Poem S2165
Amsterdam, 2024-03-31
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "A house divided", (1-) 7
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Parents: strangers 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The biggest taboo
is of course, ouch, your parents' --
sexuality.
Het grootste taboe	Das größte Tabu
is de seksualiteit --	ist die Sexualität --
oei, van je ouders.	uh, deiner Eltern.

Poem S2164
Amsterdam, 2024-03-31
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "A house divided", (1-) 7
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Parents: strangers, Taboo 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Cities put their faith
in citizens, villages --
put their faith in god.
Steden vertrouwen	Städte vertrauen
op hun burgers, de dorpen --	auf die Bürger, die Dörfer --
vertrouwen op god.	vertrauen auf Gott.

Poem S2163
Amsterdam, 2024-03-31
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "A house divided", (1-) 4
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: hold, Bharat (India) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Waiving happiness
and suffering for the truth:
a better country.
Afzien van geluk	Auf Glück verzichten
en lijden voor de waarheid --	und leiden für die Wahrheit:
van een beter land.	ein besseres Land.

Poem H4587
Amsterdam, 2024-03-30
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru
Novel, chapter "A house divided", (1-) 3
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Idealism, Bharat (India), Politics 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Without a lover
my fingers - ooh - comfort me --
ah - with fantasies.
Oh, zonder minnaar,	Ohne Geliebte
troosten - oe - mijn vingers me --	trösten mich meine Finger --
met fantasieën.	mit Fantasien.

Poem H4586
Amsterdam, 2024-03-30
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "A house divided", (1-) 3
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Desire (lust) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

There are charred corpses
hanging from scorched stakes, remains --
of fire-devoured trees.
Verkoolde lijken	Leichen, verkohlt an
aan geblakerde staken, vuur-	versengten Pfählen, Bäumen --
verslonden bomen.	feuerzerfressen.

Poem S2162
Amsterdam, 2024-03-30
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "A house divided", (1-) 3
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Violence: annihilation 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Spices, wonderful
scents were once the beginning --
a bad smoke their end.
Kruiden, heerlijke	Kräuter, herrliche
geuren waren het begin --	Düfte waren der Anfang --
een walm hun einde.	ein Rauch ihr Ende.

Poem S2161
Amsterdam, 2024-03-30
The Moor's Last Sigh (Salman Rushdie) - 1995
Novel, chapter "A house divided", (1-) 3
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Violence: annihilation 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The world does exist,
finally I know for sure:
I am dying there.
De wereld bestaat,	Die Welt besteht, doch
alsnog weet ik het zeker --	weiß ich es, sehr sicher, jetzt --
nu ik er doodga.	wo ich dort sterbe.

Poem S1572
Amsterdam, 2022-11-23
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter IX. A wonderful lamp
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Death: dying, Reality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Above the pilgrims
it flies, the large parasol:
a butterfly swarm.
Boven de pelgrims	Über den Pilgern
vliegt de grote parasol --	fliegt das große Parasol --
van een zwerm vlinders.	des Schmetterlingsschwarms.

Poem H3575
Amsterdam, 2022-11-22
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter VIII. The parting of the Arabian Sea
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Flying: butterfly / moth, Wonder / Marvel 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Long-term collisions:
eight kilometres high is --
the Mount their effect.
Steeds weer botsingen:	Zusammenstöße:
acht kilometers hoog is --	acht Kilometer hoch ist --
de berg hun effect.	der Berg der Effekt.

Poem H3574
Amsterdam, 2022-11-21
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter VII. The angel Azraeel, §1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Nature: force / violence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Before they can speak
angels always have to wait --
for a listener.
Engelen moeten	Mit dem Sprechen muss
met spreken altijd wachten --	ein Engel immer warten --
op een luisteraar.	auf einen Hörer.

Poem H3573
Amsterdam, 2022-11-20
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter V. A city visible but unseen, §2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Angel / Devil 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

If knowledge is off,
there are only wishful dreams --
as moral guidance.
Als kennis verdwijnt,	Wenn Wissen weg ist,
zijn er alleen wensdromen --	gibt es nur die Wunschträume --
als moreel houvast.	als sittlicher Halt.

Poem S1571
Amsterdam, 2022-11-20
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter V. A city visible but unseen, §2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Ethics: laws 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Whoever wakes up
here, will wake the butterflies --
sleeping on his cheek.
Wie hier wakker wordt,	Wer hier aufwacht, weckt
wekt de vlinders uit hun slaap --	die Schmetterlinge, schlafend --
op zijn warme wang.	auf seiner Wange.

Poem H3572
Amsterdam, 2022-11-17
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter IV. Aisha
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Flying: butterfly / moth 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He is so holy!
Wine on his lips instantly --
turns into water!
Hij is zo heilig,	Er ist so heilig!
dat de wijn aan zijn lippen --	Der Wein auf seinen Lippen --
meteen water wordt!	wird zu Wasser!

Poem S1570
Amsterdam, 2022-11-17
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter IV. Aisha
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: demonstration 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Living in exile:
hoping or not to return --
covered with honour.
Leven als balling:	Im Exil leben:
wel of niet hopen dat je --	hoffend oder nicht, du kehrst --
eervol terugkeert.	zurück mit Ehre.

Poem S1569
Amsterdam, 2022-11-17
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter III. L-O-N-D-O-N §5, and IV. Aisha
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Safety: flight 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I pity old friends:
the old memories they share --
can be so hurtful.
Ach, oude vrienden:	Ach, alte Freunde:
oude herinneringen --	alte Erinnerungen --
kunnen hen kwetsen.	können verletzen.

Poem S1568
Amsterdam, 2022-11-16
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter III. L-O-N-D-O-N §4
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Friendship: bond, Memory: of someone 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She could not look: did
those love scenes on the hay-loft --
ever happen or not?
Ze kon het niet zien:	Sie kann's nicht sehen:
de seks op de hooizolder --	der Sex auf dem Heuboden --
is die echt gebeurd?	ist das echt passiert?

Poem S1567
Amsterdam, 2022-11-16
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter III. L-O-N-D-O-N §2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Memory 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Their will controlled him,
archangel or not, he just --
had to obey them.
Hun wil bedwong hem,	Ihr Wille zwang ihn,
aartsengel of niet, hij moest --	Erzengel oder nicht, er --
hen gehoorzamen.	musste gehorchen.

Poem S1566
Amsterdam, 2022-11-16
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter III. L-O-N-D-O-N §2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Will 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

They work very hard,
while the pilgrims are asleep:
the wallet-rippers.
Ze werken erg hard,	Sie arbeiten hart,
terwijl de pelgrims slapen:	während die Pilger schlafen:
de beurzensnijders.	die Börsenschlitzer.

Poem S1565
Amsterdam, 2022-11-15
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter 2. Mahoun
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Equality: inequality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Power is: never
allowing what whoever --
keeps secret for you.
Macht is: niet kunnen	Macht ist: niemals zu-
toelaten wat wie dan ook --	lassen, was wer auch immer --
voor je geheim houdt.	für dich geheim hält.

Poem H3571
Amsterdam, 2022-11-15
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter 2. Mahoun
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: wielding 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Tinkering The wheel turns fast here the twelve spokes form circles and time flies by There is still so much wrong around us, we have to work harder and be patient While the bigwigs dance on the volcano and don't dare to look, afraid of getting dizzy and losing everything we do what we can always go the extra mile and look with a different eye then there will be plenty of ideas to play and use toys for a way out of the problems caused by our solutions

Poem 5515
Amsterdam, 2024-04-24
Tinkering: 'jugaad', a creative improvisation, a frugal innovation, a solution that bends the rules
The wheel: in the flag of Bharat (India)
A fast life: in "The Moor's Last Sigh" (1995, Salman Rushdie), the body of Moraes Zogoiby (the Moor) develops twice as fast as normal
For toys, man invented the wheel
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Culture: skill / competence, Bharat (India) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Golden Calf The bull in front of the stock exchange throws the rates like balls up in the air with his horns the unstable assets of the hypnotic juggler more hot air than balls He ruthlessly sacrifices everything to the game, eeny meeny ming moe I am the boss and you are out New Marx's don't stand a chance against the superpowers, anything that is called Big, but is Mega Giga Big Big Agro Aviation Betting Chemistry Construction Drugs Entertainment Food Metal Nicotine Oil Pharma Tech Trade and Tera Weapons for those who need them to make people be docilely at peace with their lives

Poem 5509
Amsterdam, 2024-04-22
The Golden Calf (exodus 32) is literally a Golden Bull
Sculpture "Charging Bull" (2012, Arturo Di Modica [1941]) in front of the stock exchange building in Amsterdam, which throws prices up with its horns, a symbol of rising rates (a "bull market")
Counting-out game: in Celtic 1-2-3-4 is: ina mina ethera methera. In "The Moor's Last Sigh" (1995, Salman Rushdie) underworld king Abraham Zogoiby has a hand in the death of his wife Aurora and their children: Ina (Christina), Minnie (Inamorata) and Mynah (Philomina), thinks the youngest, their son Moor (Moraes)
Megas = great (million, 10⁶), Gigas = giant (billion, 10⁹), Teras = monster (trillion, 10¹²)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: manipulation 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Di Modica, Arturo 

Doubt and Belief [2] Usually angels are vague weak shadows in the head of the people who imagine them but prophets have wishes that force archangels to do and say what they need urgently It comes from God including the evil (that people do to each other) and the devils from tradition whom the chosen want to expel from everyone who is different from them God is Allwise He lets men judge for themselves about faith and knowing and the elaboration of rules for everything about which there could otherwise be doubts

Poem 4825
Amsterdam, 2022-11-20
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Gibreel
Amos 3:6
Isaiah 45:6-7
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Angel / Devil, Bible 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The baby, quiet,
swaddled, wearing a bonnet --
on the dynamite.
De baby is stil,	Das Baby, ruhig,
ingebakerd, met een muts --	gewickelt, eine Mütze --
op het dynamiet.	auf dem Dynamit.

Poem S1564
Amsterdam, 2022-11-15
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter I. Angel Gibreel - end of §3
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: compulsion / violence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He is angry, she
answers: Save yourself all words!
Bye, little dead sir!
Hij is boos, ze zegt:	Er ist wütend, sie
Bespaar je alle woorden!	sagt: Spare dir die Wörter!
Dag, dood meneertje!	Tschüss, toter Herrchen!

Poem H3570
Amsterdam, 2022-11-15
The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) - 1988
Novel, chapter I. Angel Gibreel - end of §3
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Anger / Rage 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He resigns, is deaf
to advice and does nothing --
just waits forlornly.
Hij berust, is doof	Er ist taub gegen
voor adviezen en doet niets --	Ratschlägen, er ergibt sich --
wacht verlaten af.	wartet verlassen.

Poem S2268
Amsterdam, 2024-07-13
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 12 Stability
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Passivity: powerlessness, Depression 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Do I hear my thoughts
echoing, right in the voice --
of someone I know?
Hoor ik gedachten	Hör ich Gedanken
echoën, met de stem van --	als Echo, mit der Stimme --
iemand die ik ken?	eines Bekannten?

Poem H4765
Amsterdam, 2024-07-13
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 11 Monologue of a Hanged Man
Play (comedy) "The Suicide" (1928, Nikolai Erdman)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Memory: of one's life 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Erdman, Nikolai 

I shrivel, the jail
cell is an inverted womb --
It's the womb of death.
Ik verschrompel in	Die Haftzelle ist
de cel, de omgekeerde --	der umgekehrte Mutter-
baarmoeder: des doods.	schoß, der des Todes.

Poem S2267
Amsterdam, 2024-07-13
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 11 Monologue of a Hanged Man
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Death: dying 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He begs for water
and gets a boiling hot pot --
as one more torment.
Hij smeekt om water,	Er hat Durst, bekommt
krijgt een kokend hete pot --	einen kochend heißen Topf --
als extra kwelling.	als weitere Qual.

Poem S2266
Amsterdam, 2024-07-13
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 11 Monologue of a Hanged Man
Tantalean punishment
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: wielding 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She asks questions, but
doesn't understand the answers --
Why? Pudding and pie!
Ze vraagt steeds, begrijpt	Sie fragt und fragt nur,
de antwoorden niet. Waarom --	Antworten versteht sie nicht --
zijn bananen krom?	Warum? Um die Krumm!

Poem H4764
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
'Why? That's why!' / 'Why why why away you fly'
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Questions 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The mirror shows it:
I've lost weight, I'm normal, no --
longer a cartoon.
De spiegel bewijst	Der Spiegel zeigt es:
het: ik ben afgevallen --	ich habe abgenommen --
en geen spotprent meer.	bin kein Cartoon mehr.

Poem H4763
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Care: body, Mirror 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The red mark of shame
from a blow to the face won't --
fade that easily.
De schaamrode plek	Der schamrote Fleck
van een klap in je gezicht --	eines Schlages ins Gesicht --
vervaagt niet zo gauw.	erblasst nicht so leicht.

Poem S2265
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Power: powerless, Shame 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

If you do belief
in God, you also believe --
in humanity.
Als je echt gelooft	Wenn du wirklich glaubst
in God, ja, dan geloof je --	an Gott, dann ja, dann glaubst du --
ook in de mensheid.	auch an die Menschheit.

Poem H4762
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: humanity 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Finally I live
in a palace, as a queen --
so isolated.
Eindelijk leef ik	Endlich lebe ich
in een paleis, als een vorst --	in einem Palast, als Fürst --
zo geïsoleerd.	völlig isoliert.

Poem S2264
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Elite 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He is a rocket,
losing stages of success --
to ascend higher.
Hij is een raket,	Meine Rakete
laat trappen van succes los --	lässt die Erfolgsstufen los --
om op te stijgen.	um hoch zu steigen.

Poem H4761
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Success 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

What kind of dream is
this: the Kaaba buried --
under excrements?
Wat is dit voor droom:	Ein seltsamer Traum:
de Ka'aba bedolven --	die Kaaba begraben --
onder een hoop mest?	unter Mistschichten.

Poem H4760
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Fear: dream 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The ministries and
the parliament: waiting rooms --
and transit places.
De ministeries,	Ministerien,
het parlement: wachtruimtes,	Parlament: Wartezimmer,
overstapplaatsen.	Umsteigeplätze.

Poem S2263
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Ego: egoism 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The new era, well,
old glory, cheaply copied --
in rotting concrete.
De nieuwe tijd, ach,	Die neue Zeit, ach,
oude glorie, nagemaakt --	alter Ruhm, billig kopiert --
in rottend beton.	in sprödem Beton.

Poem S2262
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Future: wish, Culture: heritage 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

People don't want to
see the barbarities, they --
are ashamed of them.
De mensen willen	Die Menschen wollen
de barbaarsheden niet zien --	die Barbarei nicht sehen --
Men schaamt zich ervoor.	Man schämt sich dafür.

Poem S2261
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 10 The Woman in the Veil (burqa)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Culture: way of living, Shame 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The strong can vote twelve
times, the weak do not make it --
to the polling place.
De sterken stemmen	Die Starken wählen
twaalf keer, de zwakken halen --	zwölf Mahl, Schwachen erreichen --
het stembureau niet.	das Wahllokal nicht.

Poem S2260
Amsterdam, 2024-07-12
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 4, chapter 9 Alexander the Great
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: manipulation 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

They're getting older,
Beauty is less beautiful --
the Beast is nicer.
Ze worden ouder,	Sie werden älter,
Belle wordt minder mooi en --	die Schöne weniger schön --
het Beest aardiger.	das Biest freundlicher.

Poem H4759
Amsterdam, 2024-07-11
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 3, chapter 8 Beauty and the Beast
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Marriage / Wedding 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Well, is a good death
the one that you can live with --
as the survivor?
Is een goede dood	Ist ein Tod gut, wenn
die waarmee je kunt leven --	man damit leben kann als --
als nabestaande?	Hinterbliebener?

Poem S2259
Amsterdam, 2024-07-11
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 3, chapter 7 Blushing
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Death: dying 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Stabs cut in my cheek,
the earth trembles and it rains --
icicles of glass.
Steken in mijn wang,	Stiche schneiden mich,
de aarde beeft, het regent --	die Erde bebt, es regnet --
scherpe pegels glas.	scharfe Glaszapfen.

Poem S2258
Amsterdam, 2024-07-11
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 3, chapter 7 Blushing
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Nature: danger 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Gold medallions melt
in the blazing pyre, become --
tiny lumps of lead.
Gouden medaillons	Die Goldmedaillons
smelten in de brandstapel --	schmelzen auf Scheiterhaufen --
worden klompjes lood.	zu Klümpchen aus Blei.

Poem H4758
Amsterdam, 2024-07-11
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 3, chapter 7 Blushing
Alchemy
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Change: revolution 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I am so ashamed
of the nature of people --
Am I one of them?
Steeds weer schaam ik me	Ich schäme mich so
voor de aard van de mensen --	für die Natur der Menschen --
Hoor ik daar echt bij?	Bin ich genauso?

Poem H4757
Amsterdam, 2024-07-10
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 3, chapter 7 Blushing
Sufiya Zenobia Hyder is so pure that she constantly blushes out of shame
Pakistan = Land of the Paks, the Clean People / Pure People (pious people)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Shame, Ethics: virtues 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

That all this happens,
in my city, my country --
How ashamed I am!
Dat dit allemaal	Das das ja passiert,
gebeurt, in mijn stad, mijn land --	in meiner Stadt, meinem Land --
Oh, wat schaam ik me!	Wie schäme ich mich!

Poem H4756
Amsterdam, 2024-07-10
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, especially part 2, chapter 4 Behind the Screen, and chapter 6 Affairs of Honour
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Shame, Ethics: conscience 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

News is delivered,
then there is deathly silence --
Silence of defeat.
Er komt nieuws binnen	Es gibt Nachrichten
en het blijft stil, het zwijgen --	und dann Stille, das Schweigen --
na een nederlaag.	der Niederlage.

Poem H4755
Amsterdam, 2024-07-10
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 2, chapter 5 The wrong miracle
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: News, Shame 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Women like to talk
about men, the few good ones --
who don't beat their wives.
De vrouwen praten	Die Frauen reden
over mannen, de goede --	über Männer, die Guten --
die hun vrouw niet slaan.	die sie nicht schlagen.

Poem S2257
Amsterdam, 2024-07-10
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 2, chapter 5 The wrong miracle
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: People: men (aggression) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

What is a doctor?
Isn't he just a recognized --
intimate voyeur?
Wat is een dokter?	Was ist dann ein Arzt?
Toch gewoon een erkende --	Doch nur ein anerkannter --
intieme voyeur?	intimer Voyeur?

Poem H4754
Amsterdam, 2024-07-09
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 3 Melting Ice
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Attention: observe 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He is a teacher,
so he speaks with emphasis:
Capital letters.
Hij is leraar, dus	Er ist Lehrmeister
hij benadrukt veel woorden:	und betont viele Wörter:
met een Hoofdletter.	mit Großbuchstaben.

Poem H4753
Amsterdam, 2024-07-09
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 3 Melting Ice
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Education 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Yes, choose a father,
for with him you also choose --
your inheritance.
Kies zelf een vader,	Wähl einen Vater,
met hem kies je immers ook --	schließlich wählst du damit auch --
wat je van hem erft.	was du von ihm erbst.

Poem H4752
Amsterdam, 2024-07-09
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 3 Melting Ice
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Parents: father(hood) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

You get used to it,
everywhere there is something --
you are ashamed of.
Och, je went er aan,	Man gewöhnt sich dran,
want overal is er iets --	überall gibt es etwas --
waarvoor je je schaamt.	wofür man sich schämt.

Poem H4751
Amsterdam, 2024-07-08
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 2 A Necklace of Shoes
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Shame, Ethics: conscience 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Relationships take
you everywhere, with bad luck --
even into jail.
Relaties brengen	Mit Beziehungen
je overal, en met pech --	kommt man überall, mit Pech --
ook in het gevang.	auch ins Gefängnis.

Poem S2256
Amsterdam, 2024-07-08
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 2 A Necklace of Shoes
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: wielding 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

There is a balance:
nothing to tattle at all --
The spy is resting.
Het is in balans:	Schlaues Gleichgewicht:
er valt niets te verklikken --	es gibt nichts zu verraten --
De spion rust uit.	Spione ruhen.

Poem H4750
Amsterdam, 2024-07-08
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 2 A Necklace of Shoes
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Power: wielding, Resistance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

In the rich district,
there is a faint smell, I breathe --
the hidden issues.
In de rijke wijk	Im Reichen-viertel
hangt een flauwe geur, ik ruik --	riech ich den schwachen Geruch --
verzwegen kwesties.	versteckter Fragen.

Poem S2255
Amsterdam, 2024-07-08
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 2 A Necklace of Shoes
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: corruption 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Purely virginal
is their ardent desire to --
become a mother!
Zo maagdelijk is	Rein jungfräulich ist
hun vurige verlangen --	ihr brennendes Verlangen --
naar het moederschap!	Mutter zu werden!

Poem H4749
Amsterdam, 2024-07-08
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 1 Dumb waiter
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Virgin, Desire (wish-dream) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Two neighbourhoods, just
like a dumb-bell: colonists --
and dominated.
De twee wijken, net	Wie eine Hantel,
een halter: kolonisten --	zwei Viertel: Kolonisten --
en overheersten.	und die Beherrschten.

Poem S2254
Amsterdam, 2024-07-08
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 1 Dumb waiter
The description of the town is modeled on Quetta
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Colonialism, Pakistan 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

They use their nicknames,
not the forgotten real ones --
which are too precious.
Ze gebruiken hun	Sie verwenden Spitz-
bijnamen, niet de echte --	namen, die echten Namen --
die te kostbaar zijn.	sind ja zu wertvoll.

Poem S2253
Amsterdam, 2024-07-08
Shame (Salman Rushdie) - 1983
Novel / Exposition with stories, part 1, chapter 1 Dumb waiter - Beginning of the novel
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Taboo 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

It's illogical
the way it went, but it did --
And no other way.
Het is niet logisch	Es war nicht logisch,
gegaan, maar ja, het is zo --	dennoch ist es so passiert --
Zo en niet anders.	So und nicht anders.

Poem H4412
Amsterdam, 2023-12-29
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-7 "Abracadabra"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Life: course (chance) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A person must learn,
there are no suns anywhere --
that don't cast shadows.
Een mens moet leren	Ein Mensch muss lernen,
dat er geen zon bestaat die --	es gibt keine Sonne, die --
geen schaduwen werpt.	keine Schatten wirft.

Poem H4411
Amsterdam, 2023-12-29
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-7 "Abracadabra": We must live, I'm afraid, with the shadows of imperfection
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Sun: life, Life: balance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

There's a dynamic
of growth and decay, sometimes --
even perfection.
Er is dynamiek	Es gibt Dynamik,
van groei en verval, soms ook --	Wachstum und Verfall, manchmal --
even volmaaktheid.	kurz Vollkommenheit.

Poem H4410
Amsterdam, 2023-12-29
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-7 "Abracadabra": We must live, I'm afraid, with the shadows of imperfection
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Sun: life, Life: balance 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

An imperfection
is a shadow in your life --
with thanks to the sun.
Onvolmaaktheden:	Unvollkommenheit
schaduwen in het leven --	ist ein Schatten im Leben --
met dank aan de zon.	danksei der Sonne.

Poem H4409
Amsterdam, 2023-12-29
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-7 "Abracadabra": We must live, I'm afraid, with the shadows of imperfection
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Sun: life, Mastery 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

In the private club,
the hostesses are blind, eyes --
painted on the lids.
In de privé-club	Im Privatclub sind
werken blinden, hun ogen --	die Hostessen blind, mit auf--
zijn opgeschilderd.	gemahlten Augen.

Poem H4408
Amsterdam, 2023-12-29
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-7 "Abracadabra"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Privacy 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Praise The Lord, and God
Willing, those are the mottoes --
on the city bus.
Zo God Het Wil, of	So Gott Will, oder
Geloofd Zij God, is de leus --	Lob Sei Gott, ist die Losung --
op de stadsbussen.	auf den Stadtbussen.

Poem S2075
Amsterdam, 2023-12-29
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-6 "Midnight"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Care: neighbours 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The country greeted
us as major promises --
that must be broken.
Het land begroette	Das Land begrüßte
ons als grote beloften --	uns als große Versprechen --
die het moet breken.	die es brechen muss.

Poem S2074
Amsterdam, 2023-12-29
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapters 2-1 The fisherman's pointing finger, and: 3-6 "Midnight"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Betrayal 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

They torture us with..
hope, so that they will have some-
thing to take from us.
Ze martelen ons..	Sie foltern uns mit..
met hoop, dan kunnen ze iets --	Hoffnung, dann können sie uns --
van ons afpakken.	etwas wegnehmen.

Poem S2073
Amsterdam, 2023-12-29
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-6 "Midnight"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Power: wielding, Hope 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The calls for prayer
freeze and fall in empty streets --
as sacred snowflakes.
Bevroren vallen	Gefroren fallen
de oproepen tot gebed --	die Aufrufe zum Gebet --
als sneeuw op de stad.	als Schnee auf die Stadt.

Poem H4407
Amsterdam, 2023-12-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-5 "A wedding"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Communication (sending) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Being a hero
and yet thoroughly despised --
for some bad manners.
Je kunt een held zijn	Ein Held zu sein, doch
en grondig veracht worden --	verachtet werden, wegen --
om je manieren.	deiner Manieren.

Poem S2072
Amsterdam, 2023-12-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-5 "A wedding"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Culture: way of living 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

What truth is expressed
by our myths, who, nowadays --
are our goddesses?
Wat is de waarheid	Was ist die Wahrheit
van onze mythen, wie zijn --	unserer Mythen, wer sind --
onze godinnen?	jetzt die Göttinnen?

Poem H4406
Amsterdam, 2023-12-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-5 "A wedding"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: hold 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Here, our fatherland,
oh, my beloved homeland --
the Mighty Mother!
Hier, ons vaderland,	Unser Vaterland,
mijn dierbare thuisland, de --	meine liebe Heimat, die --
Machtige Moeder!	Mächtige Mutter!

Poem H4404
Amsterdam, 2023-12-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-5 "A wedding"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Together: state 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

What a cheek you have!
Can't you think! Do you have ears?
Then you should listen!
De brutaliteit!	Die Frechheit! Du sollst
Denk eens na! Heb je oren?	mal denken! Hast du Ohren?
Luister dan eens goed!	Dann höre gut zu!

Poem S2071
Amsterdam, 2023-12-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-4 "The shadow of the Mosque"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Reason: ignore 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Ghosts see everything,
including us, like we see --
them: vaguely present.
Geesten zien alles,	Geister sehen uns
ook ons, zoals wij hen zien:	so, wie wir sie bemerken:
wazig aanwezig.	vage anwesend.

Poem H4403
Amsterdam, 2023-12-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-3 "Sam and the Tiger"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Spirit / Ghost(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Artists alongside
the soldiers, entertaining --
the relieved people.
Naast de soldaten	Einzug der Armee:
rijden karren, artiesten --	Künstler zur Unterhaltung --
vermaken het volk.	aller Zuschauer.

Poem S2070
Amsterdam, 2023-12-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-3 "Sam and the Tiger"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: manipulation 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The soldiers scurry
away from what I don't want --
and not can believe.
Soldaten haasten	Soldaten fliehen
zich weg van wat ik niet wil --	vor dem, was ich nicht glauben --
niet kan geloven.	will, nicht glauben kann.

Poem S2069
Amsterdam, 2023-12-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-3 "Sam and the Tiger"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Ethics: misdeed 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Our soldiers wouldn't do
anything like that, we dream --
It can not be true.
Onze soldaten	Unsre Soldaten
doen zoiets niet, we dromen --	tun sowas nicht, wir träumen --
Het kan niet waar zijn.	Es kann nicht wahr sein.

Poem S2068
Amsterdam, 2023-12-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-3 "Sam and the Tiger"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Ethics: misdeed 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A night of sucking
on sleeping bodies, and then --
the leeches explode.
Grote bloedzuigers,	Große Blutegel,
na een nacht op ons lichaam --	nach einer Nacht des Saugens --
exploderen ze.	explodieren sie.

Poem S2067
Amsterdam, 2023-12-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-2 "In the Sundarbans"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Gluttony 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He cries for three hours,
or three days, three weeks maybe --
Then it starts to rain.
Hij huilt drie uren,	Er weint stundenlang,
of drie dagen, drie weken --	oder tage-, wochenlang --
Daarna regent het.	Und dann regnet es.

Poem H4402
Amsterdam, 2023-12-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-2 "In the Sundarbans"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Sadness: suffer 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I am a buddha,
with hard d's, I'm an old man --
an unfeeling man.
Ik ben een boeddha,	Ich bin ein Buddha,
met harde d's, een oude --	mit hartem d, ein alter --
gevoelloze man.	gefühlloser Mann.

Poem H4405
Amsterdam, 2023-12-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-1 The buddha (old man)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Alone: loner / single 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Don't mourn for the dead,
grieve only for the living --
Do it for yourself.
Treur niet om doden,	Trauere eben
treur juist om de levenden --	um die Lebenden, tu es --
en treur voor jezelf.	eben für dich selbst.

Poem H4401
Amsterdam, 2023-12-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 3-1 "The buddha" (old man)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Sadness: express 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Would a soldier fight
harder for virgins than for --
reincarnation?
Vechten soldaten	Kämpfen Soldaten
harder voor maagden dan voor --	härter für Huris als für --
reïncarnatie?	Reinkarnation?

Poem S2066
Amsterdam, 2023-12-26
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Muslims against Hindus
Novel, chapter 2-15 "How Saleem achieved purity"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: promise 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The words she spits out
rip open everyone's skin --
like a vast, barbed net.
Haar woorden trekken	Ihre Unwörter
ieders huid open, als een --	reißen jedem die Haut auf --
net vol weerhaken.	wie ein Stachelnetz.

Poem S2065
Amsterdam, 2023-12-26
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-6 "My tenth birthday"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Violence: words 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Her hatred sits there
like a gecko, I can smell --
its stench of vomit.
Haar haat zit erbij	Ihr Hass sitzt nur da,
als een gekko, ik ruik het:	wie ein Gecko, und er stinkt --
de stank van braaksel.	nach Erbrochenem.

Poem H4398
Amsterdam, 2023-12-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-15 "How Saleem achieved purity"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Hatred 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Plastered with the post-
er: Cars Have the Right of Way --
the cow blocks the road.
Beplakt met het plak-	Beklebt mit dem An-
aat: Auto's Hebben Voorrang --	schlag: Autos Haben Vorfahrt --
loopt de koe op straat.	ist die Kuh im Weg.

Poem S2064
Amsterdam, 2023-12-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-14 "Jamila Singer"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: powerlessness 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I know many smells:
the blueish, the angular --
and the virtuous...
Ik ken veel geuren:	Diese Gerüche:
de blauwe, de hoekige --	die Blaue, die Eckige --
en de deugdzame...	und die Ehrbare...

Poem S2063
Amsterdam, 2023-12-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-14 "Jamila Singer"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Order: organise, Senses 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The minaret sticks
accusingly in our house --
its shadow finger.
De minaret steekt	Das Minarett steckt
beschuldigend in ons huis --	anklagend in unser Haus --
haar schaduwvinger.	Sein Schattenfinger.

Poem H4397
Amsterdam, 2023-12-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-14 "Jamila Singer"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: commandments 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Heavily breathing
women visit the frigate --
hoping for childbirth.
Puffende vrouwen	Schnaufende Frauen
bezichtigen het fregat --	besichtigen den Kreuzer --
hopend op weeën.	hoffend auf Wehen.

Poem H4396
Amsterdam, 2023-12-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Hoping for the American citizenship for their child
Novel, chapter 2-12 "Movements performed by pepperpots"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Parents: parenthood 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He's vulnerable,
just look at the craquelure --
over grandpa's eyes.
Opa is kwetsbaar,	Er ist verletzlich,
kijk maar naar het craquelé --	sieh einfach den Craquelé --
over zijn ogen.	in Opas Augen.

Poem H4395
Amsterdam, 2023-12-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-11 "Revelations"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Old age: ailments 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

For 5,000 years,
people have been dreaming, will --
they ever wake up?
Al 5000 jaar	Menschen träumen seit
dromen de mensen, worden --	5.000 Jahren, würden --
ze ooit eens wakker?	sie je aufwachen?

Poem S2062
Amsterdam, 2023-12-24
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-9 "The Kolynos Kid"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: belief 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Everything happens
to me, nonetheless I am --
the protagonist.
Alles overkomt	Mir passiert alles,
mij, maar hoe dan ook ben ik --	aber immerhin bin ich --
steeds de hoofdpersoon.	doch die Hauptperson.

Poem H4394
Amsterdam, 2023-12-24
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-9 "The Kolynos Kid"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Ego: egocentrism 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I know I'm destined
for great deeds, however, first --
I've to finish school.
Ik ben voorbestemd	Vor meinen großen
tot grootse daden, maar eerst --	Taten muss ich erst einmal --
moet ik nog naar school.	zur Schule gehen.

Poem H4393
Amsterdam, 2023-12-24
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-8 "Alpha and Omega"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Child: upgrow, Future: wish 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Our talents will be
praised, I know for sure, later --
after our downfall.
Onze talenten	Meine Talente
zal men prijzen, later, na --	werd man loben, später, nach --
onze ondergang.	meinem Untergang.

Poem S2061
Amsterdam, 2023-12-24
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-3 "Accident in a washing-chest", and 2-8 "Alpha and Omega"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Disfavour / Jealousy / Envy 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Unfortunately
none of my birthday guests know --
how to celebrate.
Verjaardag, helaas	Geburtstag, leider
weet niemand van mijn gasten --	weiß keiner meiner Gäste --
hoe je een feest viert.	wie man ihn feiert.

Poem S2060
Amsterdam, 2023-12-23
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-6 "My tenth birthday"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Sadness: disappointment 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Mum keeps coming home
without any shopping bags --
which is suspicious...
Mama komt steeds thuis	Mama kommt immer
zonder tas met boodschappen --	ohne Tüten nach Hause --
wat heel verdacht is...	was verdächtig ist...

Poem H4392
Amsterdam, 2023-12-23
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-6 "My tenth birthday"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Reason: critical 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I am a writer,
I see into people's hearts --
and into their thoughts.
Ik ben schrijver, ik	Ich bin Schriftsteller,
heb inzage in harten --	ich hab Einsicht in Herzen --
en in gedachten.	und in Gedanken.

Poem H4391
Amsterdam, 2023-12-23
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-6 "My tenth birthday"
Collections: Low gear, Look at me 
Keywords: People: fellow man, Writing: attuning 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Nine knife cuts across
her face have liberated --
her from her beauty.
Negen messneden	Neun Messerschnitte
in haar gezicht verlossen --	im Gesicht befreien sie --
haar van haar schoonheid.	von ihrer Schönheit.

Poem S2059
Amsterdam, 2023-12-23
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-6 "My tenth birthday"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Beauty: body 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The flower necklace,
she throws it away, doesn't want --
to be manacled.
Ach, het bloemensnoer,	Ach, die Blumenschnur,
ze gooit het weg, ze wil niet --	sie wirft sie weg, sie will nicht --
geketend worden.	gekettet werden.

Poem H4390
Amsterdam, 2023-12-22
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-5 "Love in Bombay"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: In love: unanswered, Freedom: self-determination 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The soup is spicy,
seasoned with disappointment --
Tears come to our eyes.
De soep is pittig,	Die Suppe, gewürzt
gekruid met teleurstelling --	mit Enttäuschung, treibt Tränen --
We huilen ervan.	uns in die Augen.

Poem H4389
Amsterdam, 2023-12-22
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-4 "All-India radio"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Communication (unconsciously) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Climb up the ladder
and look next to you, a snake --
is waiting for you!
Klim de ladder op	Steige die Leiter
en kijk om je heen, naast je --	hinauf, pass auf, neben dir --
wacht een slang je op!	ist eine Schlange!

Poem H4388
Amsterdam, 2023-12-22
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-2 "Snakes and Ladders" (the board game "Moksha Patamu")
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Balance (natural) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

My punishment was
to be silent, I still hear --
its hollow echo.
Voor straf moest ik stil	Zur Strafe musste
zijn, nog steeds hoor ik daarvan --	ich schweigen, ich höre noch --
de holle echo.	das hohle Echo.

Poem S2058
Amsterdam, 2023-12-22
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-3 "Accident in a washing-chest" (9 years old)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Education 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Leave liquor bottles
closed, you would free a demon --
that is ravenous.
Laat drankflessen dicht,	Öffne keine Schnapps-
anders bevrijd je een geest --	Flaschen, befreie keinen --
die hongerig is.	hungrigen Dämon.

Poem S2057
Amsterdam, 2023-12-19
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Djinns
Novel, chapter 2-1 "The fisherman's pointing finger"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Spirit / Ghost(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The pointing finger.
Does it point to my finger?
To my path in life?
Wijst de wijzende	Zeigt der zeigende
vinger naar mijn vinger, dus --	Finger auf meinen Finger?
naar mijn bestemming?	Auf mein Lebensziel?

Poem H4381
Amsterdam, 2023-12-19
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 2-1 "The fisherman's pointing finger"
Painting "The Creation" on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome (1508-1512, Michelangelo Buonarroti)
S0232: I point to the moon. / But the poet keeps looking -- // at my forefinger. (1999, Hugo Claus)
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Future: direction, Fate 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman; Michelangelo 

Look at the people
around me to understand --
the course of my life.
Let op de mensen	Durch die Menschen um
om mij heen, dan begrijp je --	mich herum verstehst du mein --
iets van mijn leven.	Leben ein wenig.

Poem H4314
Amsterdam, 2023-11-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-8 "Tick, tock"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Life: course (overview) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I just see fragments
of my life, only too late --
I understand them.
Ik zie mijn leven	Ich seh mein Leben
in fragmenten, en te laat --	in Stücken, und erst zu spät --
begrijp ik die pas.	verstehe ich sie.

Poem H4313
Amsterdam, 2023-11-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-8 "Tick, tock"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Life: course (overview) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

God must be sky blue,
then there will be no problems --
will be white nor black.
God is hemelsblauw,	Gott ist himmelblau,
dan zijn er geen problemen --	dann gibt's keine Probleme --
is er wit noch zwart.	weder Weiß noch Schwarz.

Poem H4312
Amsterdam, 2023-11-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-7 "Methwold"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Religion: God(s) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He eats well, just look,
my phalanx fits easily --
in his navel hole.
Hij eet goed, kijk maar,	Er isst gut, schau nur,
mijn vingerkootje past heel --	mein Fingerglied passt bequem --
ruim in zijn navel.	in seinen Nabel.

Poem S2028
Amsterdam, 2023-11-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-6 "Many-headed monsters"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Body: decline, Prosperity 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The questions, the doubts,
the suspicion, that monster --
with too many heads.
Vragen en twijfels,	Fragen, Zweifel, und,
en achterdocht, dat monster --	Misstrauen, das Monster mit --
met teveel hoofden.	zu vielen Köpfen.

Poem S2027
Amsterdam, 2023-11-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-6 "Many-headed monsters"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Doubt 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The eerie room is,
frightening me with shadows --
of scary monsters.
De vreemde kamer	Das fremde Zimmer
maakt me bang met schaduwen --	macht mir Angst mit den Schatten --
van enge beesten.	schauriger Tiere.

Poem H4311
Amsterdam, 2023-11-28
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-6 "Many-headed monsters"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Fear: insecurity 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Your skin is not black,
it is lily-white, tempered --
in shadowy light.
Jouw huid is niet zwart	Deine Haut, nicht schwarz,
maar lelieblank, getemperd --	sondern schneeweiß, gemildert --
in het schaduwlicht.	im schattigen Licht.

Poem S2026
Amsterdam, 2023-11-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
A veiled insult
Novel, chapter 1-5 "A public announcement"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Equality: inequality 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He has been hiding
in the basement for three years --
living like a mouse.
Hij schuilt al jaren	Aus Angst versteckt er
in de kelder, bang leeft hij --	sich seit Jahren im Keller:
een muizenleven.	ein Mäuseleben.

Poem S2025
Amsterdam, 2023-11-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-3 "Hit-the-spittoon" and 1-4 "Under the carpet"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Fear: insecurity 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She submerges us
in a great deluge of words --
We're completely soaked.
Ze overspoelt ons	Sie überschwemmt uns
met een zondvloed van woorden --	mit einer Flut von Worten --
We raken doorweekt.	Wir werden durchnässt.

Poem S2024
Amsterdam, 2023-11-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-4 "Under the carpet"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Anger / Rage, Self-expression 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

You eat of the past
only the halal portion:
the bloodless stories.
Van het verleden	Von früher isst man
eet je slechts wat halal is:	nur die Halal-Portion:
het bloedeloze.	die unblutige.

Poem S2023
Amsterdam, 2023-11-27
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-4 "Under the carpet"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Past: corrupted, World(view) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

You hear the echoes
of guides everywhere, despite --
the signs 'Silence Please'.
Overal echo's	Überall hört man
van de reisleiders, ondanks --	die Echos der Führer, trotz --
de bordjes Stilte.	der Stille-Schilder.

Poem S2015
Amsterdam, 2023-11-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Mausoleum Taj Mahal
Novel, chapter 1-4 "Under the carpet"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Trade, Tourism 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The Queen of Nothing
gave hope to the poor people --
She was dangerous.
Koningin van Niets,	Königin von Nichts,
ze gaf de armen weer hoop --	sie gab den Armen Hoffnung --
Ze was gevaarlijk.	Sie war gefährlich.

Poem S2014
Amsterdam, 2023-11-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
The Rani [Queen] of 'Cooch Naheen' (in Agra)
Novel, chapter 1-4 "Under the carpet"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Hope 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The squatting men place
the spittoon further away --
and aim into it.
De mannen zetten	Die Männer stellen
de spuugbak steeds verder weg --	den Spucknapf noch weiter weg --
en mikken erin.	und zielen hinein.

Poem H4303
Amsterdam, 2023-11-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-3 "Hit-the-spittoon"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Together: group 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Teaching religion.
First lesson: unbelievers --
do not belong here.
Godsdienstonderwijs.	Glaubensunterricht.
Les 1: ongelovigen --	Lektion 1: Ungläubige --
horen hier niet thuis.	gehören hier nicht.

Poem S2013
Amsterdam, 2023-11-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-3 "Hit-the-spittoon"
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Religion: commandments, Together: discord 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

If I ever find
you here whatsitcalled, you will --
whatsitcalled feel it!
Als ik jou ooit hier	Wenn ich dich jemals
hoeheethet tref, zul je het --	wieheißts hier finde, wirst du --
hoeheethet voelen!	wieheißts es spüren!

Poem S2012
Amsterdam, 2023-11-25
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-3 "Hit-the-spittoon"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Power: compulsion / violence 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

She is unswerving,
imperious: a fortress --
may not move, never.
Ze is onwrikbaar,	Unerschütterlich
ze is de baas: een vesting --	ist sie: eine Festung darf --
mag niet bewegen.	sich nicht bewegen.

Poem S2010
Amsterdam, 2023-11-24
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-3 "Hit-the-spittoon"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Parents: mother(hood) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

No one is themselves,
people are always leaking --
in each other's lives.
Niemand is zichzelf,	Niemand ist er selbst,
mensen lekken nu eenmaal --	Menschen lecken ins Leben --
in elkaars leven.	des anderen aus.

Poem H4302
Amsterdam, 2023-11-24
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-3 "Hit-the-spittoon"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Together: interaction 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Just so you know I'm falling apart, believe me it's real, and not a request for pity, just falling apart, cracking like an old jar I've been through too much suffered too much, for now it is going slowly but still faster I can't keep myself together anymore, so be it I just let you know then you can come to accept it too I will soon be about 630 million impersonal particles, dust of course without consciousness

Poem 5390
Amsterdam, 2023-11-24
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, beginning of the chapter "Hit-the-spittoon"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Life: course (end) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I wasn't there, but my
imagination sees it --
happening again.
Ik was er niet bij,	Ich war nicht dabei,
maar mijn fantasie ziet het --	aber mein Gespür sieht es --
opnieuw gebeuren.	wieder passieren.

Poem H4300
Amsterdam, 2023-11-23
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-1 "The perforated sheet"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Fantasy: imagination 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Teardrop diamonds,
frozen on my eyelashes:
beautiful sadness.
Traandiamanten,	Diamanttränen,
bevroren op mijn wimpers:	gefroren auf den Wimpern:
schitterend verdriet.	schöne Traurigkeit.

Poem H4299
Amsterdam, 2023-11-23
Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie) - 1981
Novel, chapter 1-1 "The perforated sheet"
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Sadness: process 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Some people live on
in a book, thanks to bottles --
of eternal ink.
Soms leeft iemand voort	Manchmal lebt man fort
in een boek, dankzij flesjes --	in einem Buch, dank Fläschchen --
met eeuwige inkt.	ewiger Tinte.

Poem H4801
Amsterdam, 2024-07-24
Grimus (Salman Rushdie) - 1975
Novel
(A Simurg(h) ['Thirty birds'] is a Persian legendary creature, an omniscient bird, symbol for someone's world of thought) - Characters can live for many generations - The eternity potion is sun-yellow
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Writing: maintain 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

A writer invents
worlds that will come to an end --
if they are not read.
Een schrijver bedenkt	Ein Autor erschafft
werelden die weer vergaan --	Welten, die untergehen --
als niemand ze leest.	wenn niemand sie liest.

Poem H4792
Amsterdam, 2024-07-21
Grimus (Salman Rushdie) - 1975
Novel
(A Simurg(h) ['Thirty birds'] is a Persian legendary creature, an omniscient bird, symbol for someone's world of thought), part 3 Grimus, chapter 55
Collections: Low gear, WriteWiser signage 
Keywords: Fantasy: imagination, Writing: fantasy 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Hate is powerful,
and whoever has power --
wants to retain it.
Haat kan machtig zijn,	Hass kann mächtig sein,
en wie eenmaal macht bezit --	und wer einmal Macht besitzt --
wil die behouden.	will sie behalten.

Poem S2283
Amsterdam, 2024-07-21
Grimus (Salman Rushdie) - 1975
Novel
(A Simurg(h) ['Thirty birds'] is a Persian legendary creature, an omniscient bird, symbol for someone's world of thought), part 3 Grimus, chapter 54 (= LIV = Liv)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Hatred 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

I am provident,
I take poison every day --
Against poisoning.
Ik ben voorzichtig,	Ich bin vorsichtig,
tegen vergiftigingen --	ich nehme täglich Gift ein --
neem ik vergif in.	gegen Vergiftung.

Poem S2282
Amsterdam, 2024-07-21
Grimus (Salman Rushdie) - 1975
Novel
(A Simurg(h) ['Thirty birds'] is a Persian legendary creature, an omniscient bird, symbol for someone's world of thought), part 2 Times Previous, chapter 37
Mithridatism (Mithridates VI of Pontus)
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Caution 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Ít can't be explained,
experiencing Ít is --
understanding it.
Hét kan niemand mij	Dás kann niemand mir
uitleggen, Hét ervaren --	erklären, Dás erfahren --
is het begrijpen.	ist es verstehen.

Poem H4791
Amsterdam, 2024-07-20
Grimus (Salman Rushdie) - 1975
Novel
(A Simurg(h) ['Thirty birds'] is a Persian legendary creature, an omniscient bird, symbol for someone's world of thought), part 1 Times Present, chapter 19
Ít: travelling into other dimensions / the divine / amorousness / an orgasm / killing someone
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Perception: mystery 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

The day starts okay,
normal, like yesterday, just --
slightly different.
De dag begint goed,	Der Tag beginnt gut,
gewoon, zoals gisteren --	ganz normal, wie gestern, nur --
maar net iets anders.	ein bisschen anders.

Poem H4790
Amsterdam, 2024-07-20
Grimus (Salman Rushdie) - 1975
Novel
(A Simurg(h) ['Thirty birds'] is a Persian legendary creature, an omniscient bird, symbol for someone's world of thought), part 1 Times Present, chapter 2
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Order: pattern 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

Language forms concepts,
and those forge all kinds of chains --
and you perceive that.
Taal vormt begrippen,	Die Sprache bildet
en die smeden ketenen --	Konzepte, schmiedet Ketten --
en je beseft dat.	und man erkennt das.

Poem H4789
Amsterdam, 2024-07-20
Grimus (Salman Rushdie) - 1975
Novel
(A Simurg(h) ['Thirty birds'] is a Persian legendary creature, an omniscient bird, symbol for someone's world of thought), part 1 Times Present, chapter 1
Collection: Low gear
Keywords: Language: signs, Thinking (order) 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman 

He's as normal as
any one and that happens --
to be me this time.
Hij is zo normaal	Er ist so normal
als een eerste de beste --	wie ein erster Beste und --
en dat ben ik nu.	das bin ich heute.

Poem H4788
Amsterdam, 2024-07-20
Grimus (Salman Rushdie) - 1975
Novel
(A Simurg(h) ['Thirty birds'] is a Persian legendary creature, an omniscient bird, symbol for someone's world of thought), part 1 Times Present, chapter 1
Collection: Low gear
Keyword: Usual / Normal 
Tribute to: Rushdie, Salman