September 4, 1943
Introduction to the content
The Russian Army’s strategy pushes German troops “North-South East West – from one corner of the map to another” in what the Nazi intelligence Service calls a “whirlwind blow.” They admit their troops are losing ground, but claim that the Soviets are weakening. Bloch gets straight to the point: The Germans are losing, and his unique translation of the “whirlwind” predicts that Hitler’s vertebra will be broken. (The word “whirl” in whirlwind translates to “vertebra” in German)
Curt Bloch sets new lyrics to the old hit “Unter der Laterne” (Lili Marleen). The blitzkrieg was supposed to be over in a flash, but has already lasted four years. Now that the Russians have turned on Hitler they will set matters straight. Roosevelt and Churchill need to move quickly from talk to action to make victory over Hitler’s Germany possible. Then, with the end of the war, all members of the NSB (Nazi Movement in the Netherlands) will be hanged from sturdy rope.
Bloch’s third title introduces a new species: the “animal man”. According to classic philosophy, intelligence and reason distinguish humans from animals. The Nazi “master race” claims superiority, but in reality is a human beast devouring countries and guzzling blood. But Bloch knows: the triumphal march of the animal man is over. It will soon be skinned, stuffed, and displayed in a freak show
In These poor Sicilians, Bloch feigns sympathy for the inhabitants of the Italian island where the Allies’ early victory leaves the inhabitants under what the Germans call the British“reign of terror.” Obviously Bloch impatiently awaits liberation by the Allies, adding with heavy sarcasm: “To be occupied by the Germans is a delight.”
As a result of the current losing streak, Curt Bloch believes Italy awakens. He hopes Italians will sweep out the fascists. The people are disillusioned by old phrases as the country is going to hell. the war trumpet has been blown long enough. Now the Italians will take to the barricades.
In the poem The Privileged, Curt Bloch ridicules a letter from a Nazi on the Eastern Front who fails to grasp why the Netherlands does not want to commit to the German system which offers a bright future full of privilege? Bloch compares this perspective to that of a lunatic locked in an asylum who believes he can see clearly what’s wrong with those who surround him. Bloch taunts this lack of insight: “The freedom that you have trampled, / will trample you with unprecedented power.”
In the seventh poem of this magazine, Curt Bloch calls the propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels a “cardsharp” who cheats and bluffs, claiming to have trumps in hand. When, Bloch wonders, will it become too much for the people and will they knock the cheater’s cards out of his hand?
In the Freedom Song, Curt Bloch calls on the resistance and — ironically— wishes death on those who oppose peace. Despite need, injustice, and oppression, despite countless sacrifices, humanity will be liberated.
A Fruit Fairy Tale might have been a reaction of the hidden Curt Bloch to a surprising twist in his food supply: In the poem, he first draws a line from the apple in divine paradise to the poisoned fruit in the fairy tale of Snow White, to the current predicament because the Germans had taken away all the fruit. But then a good fairy and a wizard appear, who bestow a box of apples and pears upon him. A fairy tale ending!
