Pork Knuckle and Sauerkraut

He had taken the last train to Stalingrad. ´Join the Army and see the World´. 

The track of events unfolded when the tank chains came off. His brother had 

bombed Guernica with the Condor Legion, when the war had been ´civil´, always 

the lofty fellow he was, in full of flight. The infantry soldier's military canteen 

had become rather frozen but the Russians did not wish to share their Vodka. Let 

alone land, homes and women. Blood coagulated in his steel helmet from the 

outside and he wiped off his comrades´ brain with a shoe cloth. Uniforms have to 

be immaculate. It is quite a fine line between killer and puppet. But not to worry, 

the Führer has decreed that with a folding spade one can dig out of any minor 

obstacle. But when the frost broke his spirit, he saved the last hand grenade for 

himself to go out with a bang. Sour Kraut and frozen legs. Much cleaner than a 

bayonet although he would be missing in action forever. Maybe the supply lines 

would take home his last letter.


not my fatherland

remember me my sweetheart –

disobeyed my oath



24th August 2020

Haibun Contest ´Let the Pens Flow´

Sponsor Jenish Somadas
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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George   Avatar
September 22, 2020 at 11:36 AM
A very heartfelt Haibun, Kai. Many congrat's on your win. ~ Elaine
Ashley Avatar
September 18, 2020 at 5:02 PM
Kai, your poem is heartrending in its deep intimate portrait of a German soldier; "a fine line between killer and puppet".. (such a great line) written from a poignant perspective with a powerful yet sensitive pen. The Fuhrer and the Eastern Front was his doom. Such a sad sad beauty. Congratulations on your wonderful win. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Neumann Avatar
September 19, 2020 at 9:32 AM
Thanks Susan. Kindest wishes, Kai
Somadas Avatar
September 16, 2020 at 11:37 PM
Congrats on your win Kai.. Wonderful write..
Neumann Avatar
September 19, 2020 at 9:32 AM
Thank you Jenish. Best wishes, Kai
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