Denkend aan Holland
By Hendrik Marsman
Denkend aan Holland zie ik breede rivieren traag door oneindig laagland gaan,
rijen ondenkbaar ijl peuplierenrijen langs de waterkant staan;
ik zie de koeien in de wei, ik zie de wolken boven de landkaart gaan,
Translation:
Thinking of Holland
Thinking of Holland, I see broad rivers slowly flowing through endless lowlands,
Rows of poplars, unimaginably slender, standing along the water’s edge;
I see the cows in the meadow, I see the clouds moving above the map,
The poem continues:
Tweede strofe
boomkwekerijen met hun smalle kassenrijen in de zon,
ik zie de stolpboerderijen met hun rossige daken onder de blauwe luchten,
ik zie de blonde kinderen en de oude mannen in de optocht gaan,
Translation:
Second stanza
Nurseries with their narrow rows of greenhouses in the sun,
I see the farmhouses with their reddish roofs under the blue skies,
I see the blond children and the old men go in the procession,
The poem continues:
Derde strofe
de klok in de toren, die langzaam slaat, en de klok in de verte die antwoordt,
het land is er stil en in de verte gaan de treinen door het land,
Translation:
Third stanza
The clock in the tower, which strikes slowly, and the clock in the distance that responds,
The land is quiet and in the distance the trains go through the country,
The poem continues:
Vierde strofe
ik zie de Waddenzee met haar zilte wateren, waar de vissersboten varen,
ik zie de Amsterdamse haven, waar de schepen uit alle landen komen,
en ik zie de kleine dorpen en de grote steden, waar het leven is als altijd geweest.
Translation:
Fourth stanza
I see the Wadden Sea with its salty waters, where the fishing boats sail,
I see the port of Amsterdam, where ships from all countries come,
And I see the small villages and the big cities, where life is as it has always been.
The poem concludes:
Vijfde strofe
O, heerlijk land van water en van lucht,
O, land van hooge huizen en van smalle straten,
o, land van bloemen en van fruit,
o, land waar ik geboren ben en waar ik sterven wil.
Translation:
Fifth stanza
O, beautiful land of water and air,
O, land of tall houses and narrow streets,
O, land of flowers and fruit,
O, land where I was born and where I want to die.
Analysis:
“Denkend aan Holland” is a classic poem by Dutch poet Hendrik Marsman, written in 1936. It is a nostalgic depiction of the Dutch landscape and way of life, seen through the eyes of the speaker who is longing for his homeland while living abroad.
The poem is characterized by its vivid imagery, simple language, and use of repetition. Marsman paints a picture of Holland as a land of contrasts, with its vast lowlands and towering buildings, its peaceful countryside and bustling cities. He also captures the essence of Dutch culture, with its traditions, values, and love for the land.
The poem has been translated into many languages and is considered one of the most important works of Dutch literature. It is a powerful expression of patriotism and a reminder of the beauty and uniqueness of Holland.