Theobald Baerwart

My Basle

This is my town, my Basle
at the wild Rhein’s ‚knee’ (90°);
a tad wider possibly,
but dearer, it couldn’t be.

To act up is not her nature,
nor to brag about her vigour;
her affinity lies with labour,
science is her claim to fame.

Centuries have surged about her
through wars and thunderstorms
up into the clouds as ever
rise up the minster’s spires.

And still, still whooshes
my beloved, ancient Rhein.
This evening, after six,
I will head there for a dip!