Look down the barrel of a gun
What stares back at you
Way down lies death, steely, insinuated
In between life’s nothingness
Quickly diminished.
Look into your future
Threatening deep depression
Your own death at its end
The dreaded nothing in-between
Grossly accentuated.
written by a very young Hans Muller
Hans was a teenaged, non-practicing very assimilated Jew living in Austria when he penned this poem. It was written in German and he said it rhymes better that way.
A Nazi officer had pointed a gun in Hans’ face and ordered him to go to a nearby headquarters to scrub and clean an office. Did Hans have a choice? Being precise, the officer gave him a paper stating he HAD given that ‘service’. Hans showed it to me. Obviously, we haven’t learned much since WWII. Hatred continues in many ways.
Hans did survive and escaped to the USA, where he served in army Intelligence. His language skills, German — French — Italian — Spanish — English and goodness knows what else, served his adopted country well. He witnessed starving prisoners being released from German Death Camps, but managed to put it behind him.
Recently patrons at the only gay bar in beautiful (and very conservative) Colorado Springs found a gun pointed at themselves. Five were killed, seventeen wounded. Their crime? Either being born as part of the LGBTQ community or straight friends and relatives of same.
A new year begins. An opportunity to all of us to be better. How about loving each other just because. We need not be so insecure that we pretend others aren’t as good as we are because of whatever colour, religion, or being born just who they are.
Let our New Year’s resolution be to celebrate the wonderful differences that make life so much more interesting.
And while we’re at it, pray for an end to all those many guns getting into the wrong hands.
View from Over the Hill 
A new resolution all should take. All should take being a dream! But it would be good if many people would take it.
Where does Hans live? He must be in his 80s now. The unfortunate truth is hatred continues. We wish you and your family good health and happiness.
Yes, life should be a gift for everyone, but it isn’t.
Hans is gone now, but I remember him with pleasure. He was so interesting… All the best to you and yours for the New Year, Muriel
I’m with you on everything you said. Here’s to peace and understanding.
Wouldn’t that be great? Stay well and keep doing your share to make the world a better place, which you do! Happy New Year, Muriel
“How about loving each other just because.” So true. We really don’t know what others are going through so let’s all be kind to each other.
Well said, Muriel. I think I remember an earlier post about Hans and his sense of humour. To go through so much in life and still live without bitterness is itself praiseworthy.
Thank you for reading Jaya: Yes, Hans was a very special person and I am grateful to have had him in my life. He was, indeed, most interesting. Happy New Year to you and yours, Muriel
Amen to that! A good reminder to all of us that we all have some fragility that others can take advantage of, but kindness can fill those cracks with gold seams.
Well said indeed! I could not say it better. Thank you. Happy New Year. Cheers, Muriel
Happy New Year to you too!
Thanks. I wish you another year full of adventures. Cheers, Muriel
Wonderful! Live life to the fullest! Cheers, Muriel
This is a very good resolution! Unfortunately people don’t learn from the past, but it is very important. This is a beautiful post! Thanks!
All the best to you and I hope kindness will win next year! 🙂
Thank you for reading and your kind comment. Let’s all send a little love out to everyone in 2023. Happy New Year! Muriel
How are you ? Wishing you and your family good health and happiness in the new year 🥰. Regards, Lakshmi
How sweet of you. Yes, I’m fine. Each day is a gift and I cherish them. Here’s to a better 2023 for everyone everywhere. Especially to you!