Bevrijding en verzoening in ‘Libera nos, Domine’

• Main Author: M. B. de Wind
• Format: Article
• Language: Afrikaans
• Published: AOSIS 1994-05-01
• Series: Literator
• Online Access: https://literator.org.za/index.php/literator/article/view/654

The poem "Libera nos, Domine" appears in the Dutch poet Geerten Gossaert's only published volume of poetry. Experimenten (1911). This poet of the Generation of 1910 has lately drawn renewed interest. In my opinion this particular poem is important, especially in the current literary climate where emphasis is placed on intertextuality. In addition, liberation and reconciliation are topical issues in the current political and religious climate. Gossaert hid behind many disguises which also manifested themselves in his use of a pseudonym. Regarding this poem, it is commonly held that the poet used the disguise of the apostle going to Emmaus. In my opinion the poet also hid behind another figure, and made use of other intertexts. The prevailing view is that the title "Libera nos. Domine” can he traced back to the Lord's prayer as it appears in the Vulgate: it is believed to derive from "Libera nos a malo". In my view the title "Libera nos, Domine" refers to a different intertext, the Requiem, allowing for a different interpretation of this poem.