The late Dutch Prince Claus, husband of Queen Beatrix, has inspired poems by Dutch theologian, philosopher, poet, preacher, song writer and former priest, Huub Oosterhuis.
He published an ‘autobiographical’ new work of poetry on Monday, with poems dedicated to Prince Claus. Mr. Oosterhuis and the prince had been friends since 1968. Oosterhuis spoke at the funeral of Prince Claus in October 2002. The speech had great impact in the Netherlands.
"Wie bestaat" is the name of the book, "Who exists". The "Who" in the title refers to God, and is seen by Mr. Oosterhuis as a better way to describe and name Him. The title was inspired by Prince Claus, with whom Mr. Oosterhuis, 74, spend a lot of time during his illness. ,,I would read Psalms at his bedside", he explained in an interview with the Netherlands Press Association.
,,It always comes down to Who", the Prince would say, Mr. Oosterhuis confided. He met the Prince in 1968 when he visited a youth festival. The two became friends. Oosterhuis was invited to Drakensteyn Castle, the simple home of Claus and Princess Beatrix, who often held meetings with artists, writers, painters and the like. ,,Claus was a special man, much loved, who has died too soon", Mr. Oosterhuis said.
© RB; Photo by © David van Dam
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