Fourteen-Year-Old poet’s “Lucky Recipe” Resonates Across Cultures
A poem penned by a young German-french author, Anna-Lenabo, continues to inspire readers years after its initial revelation in a regional literary contest. The poem, titled “Lucky Recipe,” first came to light when it was selected among entries in the Freiburg region, and subsequently shared with a wider audience through a Christmas postcard sent by a friend, Daniel. The author’s work sparked a personal connection that led to its publication and re-publication, demonstrating the enduring power of youthful perspective.
The poem’s worldwide themes of hope, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams resonated deeply with its first translator, who shared it as a New year’s greeting in a local newspaper. The translator, captivated by the fourteen-year-old’s ability to articulate complex emotions, felt compelled to share the work again, even after receiving a digital copy directly from Daniel. Anna-Lenabo’s unique blend of imagery – sunlight, tears, and dreams – offers a poignant recipe for a fulfilling life, one that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.
“lucky Recipe” reads as a set of instructions for happiness, beginning with “A small spoonful of sunlight / A small handful of colorful.” The poem continues, advocating for the inclusion of both joy and sadness, alongside cherished memories, as essential ingredients. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance (“The will to achieve a goal / With the unpredictability of everyday life”), unbreakable friendships, and the rejection of negativity (“Discard hate and greed”).
The original German version, dated September 25, 1923, and the English translation are both available for review. The poem concludes with a direct invitation: “Try this lucky recipe!!!” - a call to action that continues to encourage reflection and positive change. Anna-Lenabo, whose father is French and who resides in France, wrote the poem in German, a blessed circumstance that allowed it to be discovered and appreciated by a broader readership.
Lucky Recipe
Author: Anna-Lenabo
A spoon of sunbeam
A pinch of mixed colors
A tear of joy and a little sadness
Mixed with lovely memories
The will to achieve a goal
With the unpredictability of everyday life
Smile, caresses
In a large bowl full of dreams
Unbreakable friendships
Mixed with well-being
And the love for fairy tales.
Discard hate and greed
As long as necessary with the heat
warm the passion
Then cool gently with the wind of freedom
Fortunately, try the recipe !!!
- 09. 25
