Zapfhahn

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This is another free verse poem of a lighter nature based on a rather colorful drinking establishment I became familiar with here in Germany during 1990 when the process of German reunification was underway. The bar in particular, "Zapfhahn," made a long-lasting impression on me during this time. (I was serving in Germany during this time as military commander with the U.S. Army in Berlin.) Anyway, there were some very memorable moments garnered from the particular experience of attending parties or get-togethers in this alcohol-infested milieu. A good time had by all. I hope interested readers enjoy this poem. (Gary Bateman - August 29, 2014)

Der Zapfhahn has several meanings in the German language: The Spigot, The Nozzle, The Tap, The Faucet, The Hose. Without its definite article, the noun “Zapfhahn” is also the name of a local pub in a small historic German town with discernible vestiges of the Roman Empire near Braunschweig. My earliest experience in this rather colorful establishment dates back to 1990 during the period of the German reunification. Zapfhahn is the place to go to imbibe alcohol of all variations, and to have intellectual discussions (sometimes), and to dodge errant beer bottles speeding through the air (occasionally), and to sing songs (mostly in German) apropos to the crowd gathered. Zapfhahn is the place to go to solve the problems of the world or at least attempt to do this fruitless adventure. Zapfhahn, with its medium and influence of alcohol, is the place to: adjust your attitude, fall in love, fall out of love, get drunk, find redemption (depending on your religion), or just have a good time. With fun had by all, and with the night quite late, I cannot wait to so indulge myself again. And so, Zapfhahn with your mythic and alchemic connections to the spirits of the night, I surrender my soul in due course so that I might see it resurrected in its splendid glory. I can only pray and hope so. Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved, Schoeningen, Germany (August 29, 2014)

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Laura Breidenthal

Date: 8/7/2015 12:49:00 AM

I find you such an intellectually unique poet/writer, as you have experienced such unique things. I find your work a delight to read and I always learn something new from you. I like that playful fourth stanza in particular - though all of it was well written! Excellent one once again! Always, Laura

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/7/2015 5:30:00 PM

Hello Laura!! I'm very pleased that you enjoyed "Zapfhahn" here. I posted this one nearly one year ago when I joined PS in early August 2014 and was just getting started. The bar establishment I write of here no longer exists today. However, the people here in the local area where I live remember it very well. And I think my narrative describes very well some of the things that made it quite interesting. Thanks for doing a deep read and finding this one. (It's in my book too!!) Cheers and Best, Gary

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 10/28/2014 3:46:00 PM

most delightful piece of writing gary really enjoyed reading this dear pal

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/28/2014 4:16:00 PM

Thank you Liam my good friend. Glad you liked this particular write. (I will be back in touch tomorrow.) Cheers and Spill Ink!! Gary

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 9/2/2014 3:10:00 PM

i am learning so much. what a candid approach to poetry. a very enjoyable read Gary and may i add a heartfelt thank you for your service.

Gary Bateman
Date: 9/2/2014 3:20:00 PM

Thanks Maurice. Glad you enjoyed this piece. I like to mix the light-hearted with the serious poems. Yes, I did serve in Berlin and retired from the U.S. Army in 1996, and most recently from U.S. civil service with the DoD in Stuttgart, Germany. Guess what my third career is . . . "Poetry." Enjoy your works much too. Cheers, Gary

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 8/30/2014 12:22:00 PM

Hi Gary Thanks so much for reading and commenting on my verse. What you have written is more like Narration & as such you can write it in paragraphs. It could be the basis for a very nice haibun written as prose with a few hauku! Light & Love

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/30/2014 12:51:00 PM

Debbie, Thanks for your read and comments!! I'm glad you mentioned the haibun and hauku. You are certainly right about this. I checked my "Poetry Dictionary" (John Drury) and "A Poet's Glossary" (Edward Hirsch) for further examples. I will experiment further as I write. Look forward to your poems too. Cheers, Gary

Daniel Human

Date: 8/29/2014 3:22:00 PM

Excellent, Gary. It reads like John Irving! I really like the light humorous touch. Cheers, Daniel.

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/29/2014 4:17:00 PM

Daniel . . . Thanks for reviewing Zapfhahn. You are the first to comment on it. Likewise, I look forward to reviewing your works in the future. Best Wishes, Gary