2010/11/30 Amsterdam
Curtained window
Gasfitter
Around 21:30 I got the hiccups.
I was having dinner with a theologian and we were discussing Achterberg’s poems in Coetzee’s translation:
“1
Ballad of the Gasfitter
You must have made your entry from the rear.
To each house in the row I turn my glance
and in each curtained window catch a glimpse
of You, as out of nothing You appear.”
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7 comments 
Citing that poem while holding in your breath would be an excellent way to get rid of the hiccups.
Yesterday I got the hiccups also. I have, however, a good strategy to end the hiccups. They never last long anymore, and while I was reflecting on this I got happy.
hiccups
L. DavidPlease don't keep us in some eternal expectation!
This suspense is going to give me the hiccups next.
What's the strategy?
PS Discussing Achterberg's poems with a theologian over dinner might of course be the ultimate strategy to GET the hiccups.
Hiccups
My strategy against the hiccups is drinking water upside down. May be a little awkward to do in a restaurant, but is very effective.Beautiful poem!
First you breathe in deeply (chest), then you pull your diaphragm down. (this takes some practice, it's like "breathing with your stomach")
Hold this kind of breath for a second or ten. You no longer have the hiccups.
Hold this kind of breath for a second or ten. You no longer have the hiccups.
translation succeded?
Achterberg resurrection? I was shocked by beauty and recognition in disguise.[ Add comment ]
