Visiting the labyrinth

Günter Kunert’s latest poetry reveals the recollections and the present of the great poet. He looks back on childhood, back to a busy life in turbulent times. At the same time, he observes the present with his customary astuteness, devoid of illusion. At times in an unmistakeably bitter tone, at others in melancholy imagery, Günter Kunert continues his inimitable path as one of the most important voices of German post-war literature.

“Barefoot in the sand
on the beach childhood lives on
Grandmother, tell me a fairy tale, before you die.
I was Pinocchio for a time,
my heart wooden at the sight
of mute people and
silent ruins.”