In Memory of Dr. Jakub Herzig

In Memory of Dr. Jakub Herzig

My Noble, Just, Human Rights Lawyer, Author, Maternal Grandfather

In spring and autumn, my grandfather accompanied me from school.

We walked on the outskirts of Westmount Park in Montreal;

We passed the floral working clock,

Inscribed above, on an incline, it read

In colourful flowers, Tempus Fugit:

Time flies, seventy years have flown by

And yet, I remember the walks, as if yesterday.

He taught me that each moment counts,

Not by instruction but by example;

As a result, to ensure, I make time;

That each person count, with thoughts, words and deeds;

To care, as he cared, and love, as he loved

Good, justice, compassion, thus, understanding.

Jajusz, as I called him, taught through shared silences,

Words, for their etymological origin

In Latin, Greek and spiritually through belief

In life, poetry, music and human rights.

Even as a young child, he conveyed to me,

The emotional component which has guided me

In my relationships, work, judgments

And writings; my maternal grandfather

Did not pass away, he remains with me

As does my grandmother, my Babunia

Lusia Herzig, who taught a child, philosophies

Through stories in between her playing classical piano.

Jajusz gave me a most important lesson;

Freedom from slavery in Egypt

Gave liberty which can bring anarchy,

If not restrained by the Ten Commandments and law,

A guidepost for what is to be done for others.

If one can conquer oneself, one is greater,

I learned, than one who conquers cities;

Thus with thirteen filters for each word and deed.

To leave this world, having given all one has

And more, of all one can and more …