Gone at Fifty. So Young.

A grand celebration,
Steins and brats dusted off
For the twenty-fifth anniversary
Of the country that
Existed without recognition
That it had been around
For a quarter of a century.

East Germany was getting older,
Communism finally taking root
To the point where wine from other countries,
Bulgaria and Hungary,
Could flow and jokes about leadership
Were allowed at The Thistle comedy cabaret,
Still, though, America did not recognize their existence.

Of course it was semantics,
The East German athletes were kicking our asses and
Teaching us the potential of chemistry in competition,
But on the momentous year there was nothing but good cheer
Behind the Iron Curtain.
It was all down hill after this,
I wonder how many foresaw the end
Coming at just fifty.