Away in the distance, a train appeared behind the trees, all its compartments were lit, the windows were sure to be open. One of us started singing a ballad, but we all wanted to sing. We sang far quicker than the speed of the train, we swung our arms because our voices weren't enough, our voices got into a tangle where we felt happy. If you mix your voice with others' voices, you feel as though you're caught on a hook. {trans. Michael Hofmann}
In the story, the arrival of a train is depicted as a distant yet inviting spectacle, its compartments glowing warmly amidst the trees. This moment sparks a spontaneous desire among the group to sing, transforming their feelings into an enthusiastic chorus. The collective energy of their voices outpaces the train, creating a sense of unity and joy as they express themselves together.
As they sing, their individual voices blend into a harmonious chaos, embodying the exhilaration of shared experience. The metaphor of being “caught on a hook” illustrates the powerful connection that music and camaraderie evoke, emphasizing the emotional high that comes from communal expression, even in the simplest moments.
