• HEINRICH Heine 180 years ago…
Germany: A Winter’s Tale (1843):

Why shouldn’t we be happy on Earth,
why should we still go short?
Why should the idle belly consume
what working hands have wrought?

There’s bread enough grows here on Earth
to feed mankind with ease,
and roses and myrtles, beauty and joy,
and (in the season) peas.

Yes, fresh green peas for everyone
as soon as the pods have burst.
Heaven we’ll leave to the angels, and
the sparrows, who had it first.

MIKE BOR
St George’s Fields, W2