The Thousandth Regiment - 35. "While leaning against the hospital railing"

This is footage of a World War 1 field hospital in action. The inclusion of the term "sutler" proves Hans is witnessing the scene described from a window like in the chateau shown here. Sutlers were camp-following vendors who moved their wagons with the troops to sell them necessities, like tobacco, stationary, socks, etc. Such folks would not be seen, or be distinguishable, in an urban setting.

Also interesting for me to learn is that the German military has a separate and complete postal service for serving men. There's no charge to send or receive correspondence. The  Feldpost dates back to the middle of the 18th century and the Seven Years' War.

So Hans writes now seems to write of a time further into recovery. His observations on the line of traffic are really interesting, as is his line about sunning his injury. Perhaps we forget how much medicine and surgery relied on sunshine and fresh air. There was precious little that could stem the tide of infection. But no tonic would be greater than being sent home... 

He sounds hopeful and wanting to be home while he observes his surroundings.  It's hard because we know his unfair and damned future.

This is a magnificent translation. I hope, you don't mind my pestering concerning specific terms anymore, but I have to say, the outcome was worth it. The picture Hans painted is very vivid and his emotions are so palpable and comprehensible. Every time I read this sonnets, I wished the collection would stop or even better end with a love poem to Murnau. But closing my eyes to the real ending would be wrong and therefore my searching about Hans goes on.

(I will comment on the other sonnets I missed, as soon as we are settled in at home again. Muha)

On 10/17/2019 at 8:52 AM, Parker Owens said:

So Hans writes now seems to write of a time further into recovery. His observations on the line of traffic are really interesting, as is his line about sunning his injury. Perhaps we forget how much medicine and surgery relied on sunshine and fresh air. There was precious little that could stem the tide of infection. But no tonic would be greater than being sent home... 

So true about the sun; it's still the best treatment for bedsores. For me, this is another remarkable poem because it can place the armchair patriot in a soldier's place. Hans here almost seems to be the sun trying to shine some true light on what his "we" has to bear for an older generation's idea of glory.

Thank you, Parker, as always for your comments  

On 10/17/2019 at 7:08 PM, Mikiesboy said:

He sounds hopeful and wanting to be home while he observes his surroundings.  It's hard because we know his unfair and damned future.

The ringing notes of hope which end this sonnet speak to a time (I imagine) when such scenes will not be played out in the future. Hans is reputed to have partial towards this poem, and the notes of hope seem to tell us why.

Thank you for your comments. They are always appreciated

On 10/18/2019 at 4:12 AM, Lyssa said:

This is a magnificent translation. I hope, you don't mind my pestering concerning specific terms anymore, but I have to say, the outcome was worth it. The picture Hans painted is very vivid and his emotions are so palpable and comprehensible. Every time I read this sonnets, I wished the collection would stop or even better end with a love poem to Murnau. But closing my eyes to the real ending would be wrong and therefore my searching about Hans goes on.

(I will comment on the other sonnets I missed, as soon as we are settled in at home again. Muha)

 

Thank you, Lyssa. Vividness appears to be the goal Hans sets for himself with the first three stanzas of this poem, and then the emotional ray of hope breaking through at the end. I hope I have brought this sonnet's effect in German into English, for it surely is one of the best WW1 poems ever published.

As always, your support has been invaluable to my efforts with H.E-D's remarkable work