In the past you had pictures

of an old crooked man with a stick
like in the riddle, and a white beard

in a long point to the ground, and
next to him was a baby on the threshold

of the new year, the new god:
Lord Adonis, welcome to your home

Bethlehem, the house of spring
flowers, grain, and bread

welcome also in Amsterdam
where we blast without believing

that there are evil spirits to be chased
away – it's an expensive pleasure

to celebrate that we live
hope for happiness and are grateful

wishing that the good continues
in terms of health and daring

to trust in peace – if
we live up to all of this, then

I gladly will put a baby
picture in my book next year