The Great Divide

Some forty-two years ago, I returned to the small

towns of Vacha, Germany to the East and Philipp-

stahl to the West, a contemptuous place with a high

wired and electrified separation between the two—

a Democratic Germany to one side and Communist

occupied on the other. I recall freely waiving to an

armed soldier stationed on his side. And in keeping

with basic human cordiality, he returned the well

wising pleasantry back at me. I figured it was the least

we could do to connect two people of good will, given the

otherwise uncompromising and conflicting philosophies

between our nations. That was back in 1977. Things

changed in 1989 when walls and fences between the

two Germanys were torn down, and a divided country

became united once again. I often wonder if I were to

return to that place today, and that soldier I signaled

my good will to at the time had survived, he too would

be an old man such as I. Perhaps we could approach

one and other, and shake hands this time across what

once was, and thank God is no more, the Great Divide.

It’s what old men do when they’re too old to fight, and

hopefully wise enough not to build barriers anymore.

Chris Hanch 8-28-19