I first read this poem when I was 14, and I didn’t understand it. Partly because I was only in my first year of German, but mostly because I simply didn’t have the life experience to figure out the depth in this poem. Most of the power is in the reflexive verb “sich lieben”, which means “to love each other”, but also means “to love one’s self”, or “to love yourself” depending on the context. Also, it could be interpreted as a command or as an abstract statement. The ambiguity is intentional. It’s not a poem about romance or sex, or self-gratification– it’s a statement about finding pleasure and an emotional connection to life in a world filled with pain. The translation is my own. I’m not fluent in German, so I’ll own any missed subtleties or blatant errors in translation as well. Fried’s writing is intense, and comments on my attempts to carry that passion into English and still keep the poetry intact are always welcome.
Mixed Up (Through One Another)
by Erich Fried
Love each other
In a time
in which people kill one another
with new and improved weapons
And know
that there is little one can do to stop it
and try
not to become dull
And of course
love everyone
Love one another
and leave each other to starve
love one another and know
that there is little one can do to stop it
Love one other
and try not to become jaded
Love one another
and use the time
to kill each other
And of course love everyone
with new and improved ways of fighting
