A Synopsis -
The beginning of the Berlin Wall story occurs in the aftermath of World War II. All of Germany
is in ruins. Millions of Germans have been dislocated. The victorious Allies do not agree how
best to govern the sectors into which Germany has been divided. A Cold War erupts and an Iron
Curtain divides East and West. The communists encircle West Berlin with a wall. The years
between the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall see the inhabitants of West and East Berlin caught in
an environment of clashing cultures, mystery, fear, and depression. There is an air of desparation
that the status quo will never change. Everyone knew that the Allied Command in West Berlin
was quite small in numbers and firepower compared to the 21 Communist Divisions surrounding
them. We now know that the Berlin Wall ends with an "Ode to Joy."
Richard Eric Johnson soldiered, worked and lived in West Berlin between 1968 and 1974. He
holds a B.A in Germanic Languages from Indiana University and is a long-time student of world
history, especially German history. Having published four volumes of poetry to date, he decided
to embark upon a poetic journey examining the history of the Berlin Wall. He has revisited
Berlin many times in recent years to research newly available archives, historic sites, and
museums related to the Berlin Wall. He has spoken with many who lived during those times.
Richard is motivated and inspired by the idea that history can be presented through the poetic
form.
Free Air Berlin: Of a Wall and a Walnut Tree, represents the author's view and conviction that,
throughout human history, the air we breathe is free.
