Ode to language

by Julia Harwardt, translated by Colin Rae

Dearest language,

You have stood by me as long as I can remember and the time has finally come for me to open my heart and tell you how I feel.

You were one of the first characters in my life, appearing in every bedtime story my parents read me. I was immediately entranced by your mysterious symbols that were the key to the most tremendous tales of friendship, adventure, joy and sorrow. You showed me worlds that, although so far away, suddenly felt real to me and turned into the backdrop to my dreams. You fuelled my imagination, mesmerised and inspired me.

And when at long last I learnt to read, you won my heart forever. I lost myself in your world and remain there to this day. When I reached high school, I discovered to my delight that although in essence you are unique, in fact you are as versatile and surprising as a kaleidoscope. I learnt English, Latin, French and later Spanish and Russian. I can never have too much of you because you will never stop reinventing yourself. You seduce me in your many guises, and even after all these years you can still take my breath away and rob me of my sleep.

You are as flighty as a startled deer, and as ethereal as the clouds at sunset. I spent so many hours, so many days and nights trying with all my might to make you mine, but now I know that you march to your own drum, would never let yourself get tied down; you are as free as the wind and as lithe as a panther padding through the depths of the rainforest.

Mon amour, no matter how often I fight with you, and despair at your unwillingness to let me tame you, promise me you’ll never change! And never stop making me laugh, cry, gasp and rave. Never stop making me think and rethink my world. Through your courage and your openness you have created so many wonderful worlds, brought people together and healed so many wounds. For this I will admire and revere you till the end of my days.

You are not just my daily bread: you are my inspiration, my sanctuary in troubled times and a source of strength and optimism. Let our glorious relationship continue to grow and blossom each and every day!

All my love,

Julia