I knighted myself
and left home
to make the unknown
my own
Apprehensive of danger
I travelled ever further
hoping for a hand
and for the reassurance:
Stay, you are safe here
there is a place for you here
a place of your own
not a niche in one of the porches
where you remain a stranger
to the envoys and counsellors
You won't have to do much
in return, and you can
keep the memories
of your former life
Dec 19, 2025
Dec 19, 2025 at 3:15 AM UTC
I knighted myself
and left home
to make the unknown
my own
Apprehensive of danger
I travelled ever further
hoping for a hand
and for the reassurance:
Stay, you are safe here
there is a place for you here
a place of your own
not a niche in one of the porches
where you remain a stranger
to the envoys and counsellors
You won't have to do much
in return, and you can
keep the memories
of your former life
Seven poems by Frida Vogels:
October 20th, 1952 - There had been heavy fighting: on the plateau
January 22nd, 1960 - I always had to leave
December 16th, 1969 - Only now, finally, am I safe
January 26th, 1970 - Not daring to set out, for fear of forgetting where one came from
July 20th, 1971 - Coming home
April 28th, 1974 - It was a mission: I had to go on alone
December 5th, 1976 - 'Here I am safe'
Collection "Trench Walking: Lookout"
