​

Gromperen –

the word rolls round your tongue,

with a growl at the front

or maybe a grunt.

 

and an omp like a lump;

the gromp a grump.

 

For a Lëtzebuerger

it’s served on their order

and fried, perhaps, mashed

with a steak that’s been flashed

 

in the grill. Swilled down

with some wine from the Rhein.

 

Yet for me, it’s not tea,

it’s a textbook entry

as I attempt to finesse

my Lëtzebuergesch,

 

its vowels the toughest,

its accent the gruffest.

 

When I first said Moien

to greet a cool guy in

his tongue, it was light

it felt a delight,

 

but with a guffaw

he replied like Eeyore.

 

This Sprooch I must speak,

my citizenship I seek,

in the beautiful land;

this Duchy so Grande.

 

But until I can fit in

I’ll stick with Pommes Fritten.