Erica Fischer

“In the name of all responsible gods, saints and mascots I pledge to obey the following ten points and hope that all responsible gods, saints and mascots will be merciful and help me to keep my word:
           1.    I will always love you.
           2.    I will never leave you.
           3.    I will do everything to make you happy.
           4.    I will take care of you and the children, as far as circumstances allow.
           5.    I will not object to you taking care of me.
           6.    I will no longer look at pretty girls, or at least only to ascertain that you are prettier.
           7.    I will not come home late very often.
           8.    I will try to grind my teeth quietly at night.
           9.    I will always love you.
           10.  I will always love you.
Until further notice,
Felice”
― Erica Fischer, Aimée & Jaguar: A Love Story, Berlin 1943

“OBITUARY

Certificate in hand, my school career
now finds its slow and certain end.
Last act, the iron curtain here
Closes on what I might have been.
One year more and I would have earned
my diploma, having played my part.
Instead this list of what I've learned,
States I was quiet, hardworking, smart.

Yes, gone those lovely days in time
When once I dozed to Schiller's "Clock,"
Though much preferred was Scheffler's rhyme.
Awakening me and signalling "stop."
Playing hooky, passing notes, my relinquished
School pass - all passe.
Only I remain, dismissed and hindered,
a ninth-grade student without a grade.
[September 11, 1939]
by Felice Schragenheim”
― Erica Fischer, Aimée & Jaguar: A Love Story, Berlin 1943