February 17, 1945
Introduction to the content
In the first poem of this issue, Curt Bloch describes the purpose of his magazines: With these pamphlets, he distributes weekly “jabs under water” against the German authorities from his hiding place. While his poems may only be heard within a small circle, this allows him to say what he wants. The poems are his revenge, and he uses his pen as a lance.
In a newspaper article by journalist Maarten van Nierop, who always marks his contributions with three crosses, the “Panzerfaust”, bazooka, is praised for its use against Russian tanks. Curt Bloch initially engages in exaggerated praise of this, but then he realizes the hopelessness: The Panzerfaust is “useless,” because “the German eagle is disheveled / and bald and thin.” If one didn’t hold this weapon in their hands, they could beat the German “rabble” with their own fists.
In the poem A Way Out, Bloch responds to a newspaper article that highlights the great military strength of Russia. It threatens not only the Germans but also the Americans and British. Therefore, Bloch’s (not to be taken seriously) recommendation is that Eisenhower should ally himself with Adolf Hitler. The salvation of the Western Allies lies in the triumph of the Führer.
In 1934, Paul von Hindenburg was buried as a hero in Tannenberg. According to Adolf Hitler’s words, Hindenburg’s soul then rose up to “Valhalla” – the divine resting place of brave warriors. The former President had been doing very well there, surrounded by gods and Valkyries. But now, he is figuratively falling from the sky and anxiously asking what will become of him. Curt Bloch refers to the exhumation and reburial of Paul von Hindenburg’s body in January 1945, to protect it from the approaching Russian troops.
In the poem A New Name, Bloch says that the French name for the Netherlands is “Les Pays-Bas.” The last syllable is pronounced like the Dutch and German exclamation “Bah!” expressing rejection and disgust. Bloch believes that this encapsulates “all the misery of that time” under German rule. Therefore, he concludes that ““Les Pays-Bah!” is now an appropriate new name.
