Happy Child, You Are, Who Has Known God
In August 1896 Gezelle wrote this funeral poem for the death of a little girl Flora Vanderghote.
Damage from Scissors
The ten-year-old Flora Vanderghote spent the summer on vacation with her grandmother in Elverdinge. Due to an unfortunate fall with scissors, she seriously hurt her eye, resulting in her death. In August 1896 Gezelle wrote her a funeral poem Gelukkig, kind, zijt gij, die God (Happy Child, You Are, Who Has Known God).
Prayer Card
In the poem, the eight siblings address the deceased Flora. The happiness of the hereafter is presented as comfort. Gezelle also applies the poem to the situation. The loss of her sight makes it possible for her to see God. The neo-gothic memorial card was printed by K. van de Vyvere-Petyt in Bruges. The pictorial side shows a child on a death bed while an angel brings its soul to God.
