in the fall
in autumn, the leaves of the trees glow in a thousand colors.
the leaves of the trees, which the wind blows in beautiful trajectories
through the air until they eventually float down to the ground.
watch them do it from a park bench for hours.
the leaves rustle under my feet as i walk.
how it smells: the leaves in misty dampness.
i am happy about the fresh wind blowing mightily in my face,
drumming raindrop staccatos on my hood,
I am more grateful for the sun, which is now
rare, reserved and in a completely different light.
the clouds play the leading role in the sky.
in the fall i can finally slip into coats and my favorite sweaters again,
I feel pleasantly protected and secure in my clothes.
the women take out their high boots and wrap their legs in chic nylon.
even the cities are becoming quieter,
I don’t need to constantly flee from rude noises,
the glaring signals are muffled by the fog,
even the mobile phones seem to be turned down,
the stupendous sawing of the high-speed car engines from the
the silvery whirring through puddles of moving tires.
.
in the fall, time begins to expand,
there is more space to let things sink in.
the rain washes the decorative plaster off the façades.
people put their general cheerfulness, their compulsive happiness and activity in the cupboard with their summer clothes,
their drive is reduced, slowed down, tuned down.
autumn is the only season not yet dispossessed by advertising.
the rainy streets and misty squares are almost empty in the evening,
i can walk in them like in a lonely forest.
when i look into the illuminated windows, headlights, neon signs, traffic lights and street lamps blur with the outlines of shapes and buildings.
I am delighted by the idea of being able to walk into a
to come home to a warm apartment and drink steaming chai.
i read the books wrapped up in a woolen blanket.
the grand piano sounds more fluorescent, darker, more romantic,
the hours with him are open – endlessly,
ears and hands long for schumann and chopin.
sometimes it doesn’t really become day all day.
I still feel clearer, more alert and healthy.
i struggle less with the thoughts of living too distanced.
there is nothing to stop you from recognizing my opinion.
the question of too much or too little does not arise,
the voices that are brought in from the outside and yet are self-produced fall silent.
restlessness dissolves into concentration.
that’s why i enjoy what i do to the full.
experience it intensely, precisely, organically.
am more present and more satisfied.
in autumn, the leaves of the trees glow in a thousand colors.
(November 2008)