Mene Tekel

Once again the longest day had come and gone. The shortening of the days was hardly perceptible as yet, but we knew it - this summer, too, would pass. Once again the day had come to an end ; once again the fiery red of the sky paled above the horizon, the water in the distance just kept its color, darkness crept up out of the earth once more, the canal in the distance had disappeared in the night. We were very sad about all the things which were gone, and about our lives, which would also have to end if all these things remained unaltered. For a few more times we would see the days lengthen ; and then we would no longer be young. And after the white and red chestnut trees had flowered a few more times we would die, in the prime of life, or perhaps as frail old men, which would be even worse. And again sky would be red, and the canal would no doubt still be there too, yellow in the twilight, and they would know nothing about it.

Mene Tekel. In : 'The literary review'. Netherlands number. Winter 1961-1962. p. 183-187. Vertaling door Roy Edwards.

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