WURST UND DURST
(Sausages and Thirst)

Oktoberfest is here again
bring on the sausages
the bratwurst and beer,
for tradition holds sway
we will party all day
recalling our ethnicity
with music, song and dance.

We have come a long way
for most are generations away
from where their forbears were
when first they settled here, in all
walks of life have we found ourselves,
making our contributions as best we could,
often helping to smooth the way,
as twice in our recent history
our values clashed, took a turn for the wurst
and we were called on to do what is right.

Oktoberfest helps us recall our ties
reminding us of our historic past,
letting us look ahead
while not forgetting our heritage,
so, 'Prosit', have another stein of beer
enjoy yourself as you eat,
sing and dance the day away.

Herbert Holzbauer
© October 2003

Midi: "An der Donau"
(On the Danube)

Graphic: "Wurstkoffer"
(Sausage Case)