Poetry International Poetry International
Poem

Vrouwkje Tuinman

CHILDREN’S SECTION

The smallest graves are crowded with Santas
and Easter bunnies. In the branches
above them, wind harps vie
for the softest tune. A teddy that
once was loved now gets soaked
and dries, gets soaked and dries.
On the rare occasion a toddler reaches for it,
mother says no. Someone has brought
red-white-blue themed gifts
from the supermarket. Lights switch on
automatically. No one dares throw anything away.

KINDERAFDELING

KINDERAFDELING

Op de kleinste graven staan kerstmannen
en paashazen door elkaar. Erboven
in de bomen spelen windorgels
om het zachtst. Er is een beer die
vroeger liefde kreeg en nu nat wordt
en weer droog, nat wordt en weer droog.
De enkele keer dat een kleuter naar hem grijpt
zegt moeder nee. Iemand nam
van de supermarkt cadeautjes mee,
thema rood wit blauw. Lantaarns springen
automatisch aan. Niemand durft iets weg te gooien.
Close

CHILDREN’S SECTION

The smallest graves are crowded with Santas
and Easter bunnies. In the branches
above them, wind harps vie
for the softest tune. A teddy that
once was loved now gets soaked
and dries, gets soaked and dries.
On the rare occasion a toddler reaches for it,
mother says no. Someone has brought
red-white-blue themed gifts
from the supermarket. Lights switch on
automatically. No one dares throw anything away.

CHILDREN’S SECTION

The smallest graves are crowded with Santas
and Easter bunnies. In the branches
above them, wind harps vie
for the softest tune. A teddy that
once was loved now gets soaked
and dries, gets soaked and dries.
On the rare occasion a toddler reaches for it,
mother says no. Someone has brought
red-white-blue themed gifts
from the supermarket. Lights switch on
automatically. No one dares throw anything away.
Sponsors
Gemeente Rotterdam
Nederlands Letterenfonds
Stichting Van Beuningen Peterich-fonds
Prins Bernhard cultuurfonds
Lira fonds
Versopolis
J.E. Jurriaanse
Gefinancierd door de Europese Unie
Elise Mathilde Fonds
Stichting Verzameling van Wijngaarden-Boot
Veerhuis
VDM
Partners
LantarenVenster – Verhalenhuis Belvédère