Ode to the volunteers in South!

Door Atta of Tolk

Today we are gathered here together to celebrate your dedication

Because you constantly strive to please others without hesitation

And while doing so, you bring joy and laughter, it’s a sensation

Laughing and joking, yet working harder than ants without cessation

The Volunteers in Zuid gathered in this beautiful place

So often you are the solution to a problem we face

You are the ones who hold the little secrets

The keys to the city, making people content

Do you remember when you started this? For some, it’s been years

For others, just weeks

But no matter how long you’ve been at it, you are and will remain the reason

That we can say, you are a blessing

So today, you were allowed to relax, in a beautiful hall with enough space for your toes

Nothing less do we wish for these superheroes disguised as ordinary folks

No, we know better, you are the engine

Thanks to you, a lot gets done

For each other and therefore for yourselves

You simply feel better when helping another

You are the good start, thanks to your work we are at least halfway there

Today, the Concertgebouw is a mine because diamonds are being mined

I deliberately mention diamonds because

without friction, there is no shine, and that certainly applies to you in practice

It’s about the energy you absorb every day

And that simply makes everyone enthusiastic

Today you are guests, but usually you are the ones holding someone’s hand and saying welcome

Maybe not literally at a door, but figuratively that’s what it’s all about

You are always available by phone, email, or letter, even by carrier pigeon

You will always be there for others in Zuid

Apparently, the guardian angels have not left this wonderful world

Through your warm behavior, it feels so familiar, it feels like home

As if you keep those warm human qualities locked in a safe

And sometimes distribute them even when something is at stake

Every day is dynamic, so you never get bored

But it’s rarely quiet

Which is good because you don’t want things to be the same all the time

Because otherwise, it becomes too heavy

No, it should remain pleasant

Not every day can be one to frame

But today can be on that special list

A very special request to you to remain special

You are there when others give up on someone

Then you stand up and say hands off

You don’t let your mission be distracted

You keep extending a helping hand

You are the city’s own

Neighborhood’s own, street’s own icon who doesn’t let morale and unity slip away

So if you slip away for a moment on beautiful music from talented students

Who many people will get to know later on

We all heard the sounds of instruments

Then I thought: aren’t we all each other’s instruments?

Working together and bringing our music into harmony?

We determine with our atmosphere

And set the mood

And thus our shared destination

So you can decide: where are we going together?

And you lead the way because volunteers rarely tire

Sometimes you have long days and yet you keep going

Today is specially organized because we realize your magic

What masterpieces, definitely not still lifes, maybe portraits soon

You don’t have to wait for Madeleine, she came to visit you

And we listened with pleasure to the other splendid individuals

Living with Brel, living with Abspoel, captivating

He spoke of his first love while we empathized

Took us to the Seine, Paris, and Brittany

An adventure of escargots and champagne

About great loves that passed after a kiss on the forehead

We see that a small gesture can be immensely significant and last a lifetime

If a love can last that long, it must be true love

Warm gestures can be a remedy for deep pain

That deep pain disappears and brings smiles to faces

When there are people who lighten our blues

And speaking of light, of whom I truly hope didn’t have a light lunch

Is Mr. Abspoel, after all, he remains the man who was bitten by a dog

We received a concert, what a wonderful gift

So today, the volunteers were catered to their every wish

And we hope you enjoyed it

It was offered to you with great pleasure

There are many ways to say thank you, as you experienced today

We hope you will keep these gifts in your heart

It is my honor to speak these words of thanks

What you achieve for Zuid is truly excellent!Website: www.attadetolk.nlMail: info@attadetolk.nlLinkedIn:https://nl.linkedin.com/in/atta-de-tolk-a196a9a3