"Stuttgart" - Poems and artwork by Helmut Hirsch, April 2, 1936

"In this book of poetry by Helmut Hirsch, he recalls traditional or even folkloric German characteristics. He also draws inspiration from late 19th century German imagery. The first poem, ""Rosenstock Holderblüt"" is actually based on a traditional Swabian folk song by Friedrich Silcher. The illustration that accompanies this poem is of a young maiden sitting in front of a rosebush feeding a chicken. The second poem, ""Maidel, ruck, ruck, ruck!"", is also based on the folk song ""Mädel ruck, ruck, ruck"" about the playful nature of love. We see in the illustration a German soldier and a woman, who blushes as they sit together on a bench. The last poem, ""Tüburger Soldatenlied"" is a traditional soldier song. These were popular in Germany in the 19th century. Cities and towns would have specific songs for their military units. The illustration Hirsch has drawn is of Tübingen, Germany, and he has even given us a date of 1864. We see the military band in front of the soldiers marching through town as the town's people watch from their windows. The last item in this book is an ink sketch of the military band. "