…A thanks to you I say Lord,
For that day in October.
—One hundred and ten years ago—
When a little child was born,
Chosen by you to one day be my father.
…And a thanks to you Papa
To have given me life Life.
A priceless treasure.
Thank you for having earned bread for me
By dint of your arms.
Thank you for having taught me to work
With my arms.
And to walk straight with my feet,
In the tracks of my line age,
On the road of honesty,
On the road of loyalty,
Without envy of anyone, without hatred toward anyone.
Yes, thank you Papa…
From your resting place,
Give me again your thought.
25 October 1971.
Translated by Lenora Timm
