Wilhelmine of Baden to a portrait

The past is paved by thoughts,

The only thing that slips away from us

Is memories,

The best thing ever

To overcome sadness

And express gratitude.

 

The past reeks of the Northern Sea salt,

It is full of suppressed energy,

So is the silence

 

About the glory

Of names forgotten,

 

So is the aptitude

To convince and create,

 

So is a string of wonders,

So is the luxury unforeseen,

 

All expressed in a solemn portrait.