The rooster is dead, satire is my favorite animal, my mother-in-law and I by Wolfgang Hampel

Please read the witty story by Heidelberg satirist and Vita Magica founder Wolfgang Hampel, which he presented at Vita Magica August on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The title of the highly successful event was "The Rooster is Dead - Life and Work of Ingrid Noll." Other readers included author Peter Gunsch and Dr. Helmut Haselbeck. "Satire is My Favorite Animal" by Wolfgang Hampel is, according to many readers worldwide, one of the most humorous books of all time, even if his dear mother-in-law might disagree. One of my favorite poems from "Satire is My Favorite Animal" is: "Clattering is part of the trade, chattering is part of the mother-in-law, so I don't think twice and simply call her a chattering snake." I laugh at it every time. Many greetings and a good time from Astrid, Linde, Greta, the Lund family, Angelika & Wolfgang------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The rooster is dead, satire is my favorite animal, my mother-in-law and I by Wolfgang Hampel Copyright 2023 Saturday, August 26, 2023 by Wolfgang Hampel All rights reserved------------------------- Angelika and I are helping my mother-in-law clean the house. We're just sweeping the large yard with the garages when a loud, piercing "cock-a-doodle-doo" sounds three times. "I could wring that bastard's collar. It's been like this since 4 a.m.," my mother-in-law grumbles, making a face like 100 years of rain. I try a humorous response: "That's fitting for the next Vita Magica - The Rooster Is Dead - The Life and Work of Ingrid Noll." "Did Mrs. Noll also have a rooster in the neighborhood and kill it?" my mother-in-law wants to know. "Not exactly," I reply. "The rooster in this case is a vain macho straight out of a picture book." "Is Mrs. Noll successful?" "Oh yes, her books have been translated into 29 languages, and some have even been made into films." "Have you known Ingrid Noll for long?" "Since she published her first book, 'The Rooster Is Dead.' That was over 30 years ago." The neighborhood rooster speaks up loudly three times in a row, interrupting my speech. "I'm also very grateful to Ingrid Noll for allowing us to include the following on the cover of 'Satire is my Favorite Animal': Ingrid Noll - the famous Lady of Crime says: I'm always very happy when I read a humorous poem by Wolfgang Hampel," I explain. My mother-in-law frowns: "Why did Mrs. Noll do that? Did you pay her a lot of money for it?" "No, not at all!" I reply truthfully. "Ingrid Noll appreciates good humor and likes satirical poems! She has played a key role in ensuring the book's continued success to this day. 'Satire is my Favorite Animal' is still one of the 6,200 most humorous books according to Amazon America after more than five years." "But it's not at the top," my mother-in-law states, unimpressed. After this remark, I'm reminded of Ingrid Noll's mother, who, after reading 'The Rooster Is Dead,' told her daughter that the book was kind of cute. While I'm scraping the weeds out of the joints, the rooster speaks up again, unmistakably. "That obnoxious fellow belongs in the Vienna Woods," my mother-in-law grumbles. By the way, she did praise me a lot after all. "You've cleaned the yard like it's never been before. You're really good at work! You could make a lot of money with that. Give up writing books and the Vita Magica. It's just a dead end!" After this clear announcement, she cheerfully serves us wonderfully fragrant, golden-brown schnitzel and the best potato salad in the world. ------------------------------------- Enclosed is a short poem inspired by Wolfgang Hampel, the two-time Betty MacDonald Memorial Award winner and author of "Satire Is My Favorite Animal" – one of the most humorous books of all time. It's about laughter and reading, two things that can make us happy.---------------------------------------------- Laughter and Reading------------------------------------ Laughter and reading are two beautiful things; they can bring us joy and insight. Laughter and reading are two good friends; they can comfort and encourage us. Laughter is like medicine for the soul; it drives away worries and sadness. Reading is like a journey into the world; it broadens our horizons and our creativity. Laughter and reading are two powerful weapons; they can help us fight against injustice. Laughter and reading are two noble gifts; they can teach us to appreciate life.