Saved in Translation

In an American city,
I once thwarted
a mugger by using
only German phrases.

He pulled a gun,
demanded my wallet.
Sprechen Sie deutsch?
I inquired back.

Waving his gun,
he urged me to hurry.
Mach mal nicht so
einen auf dicke Hose.

He put away his gun;
said I was crazy.
Der hat doch nicht
alle Tassen im Schrank!

was my only reply
as he sulked
sad and sideways
down cracked, one-way streets.

Saved in Translation

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