Minca Der Leyen
The white stone mansion was lavish. Built from a lot of hand grease
Carved with angelic figures, flowers, an eye for Baroque - a springtime motif
“Anton von Der Leyen taken ill in transit to the Lagana mine
And we’re afraid he won’t make it through the nighttime”
The Prussian countryman turned lithium tycoon had strong genetics -
A former long-distance swimming champion, also well-connected
He married a woman he met in 1850 in Germany on business travel
They had a boy and girl – Minca and Rudolf, was about all they could handle
The lithium mines were like his second and third home – multiple sites
He and his partners recruited local workers
And a couple hardened war veterans who were known berserkers
In the burning heat, they would take turns and beat
With whip or fist for those who didn’t pay the daily labor quota
Blood and sweat mixed with lithium dust had a certain balm, a taste, an odor…
“Mr. Gouth, would you like some pomegranate tea?” Minca asked her father’s partner
The table was made of rosewood,silver tray for beverages.
She’d picked it out. She was her father’s daughter.
“Dear Minca – I do offer my sincere condolences for your loss.
It’s so sudden; how death strikes -
The situation is, you’ve got full rights and ownership to some mining sites”
“I went out there in the Congolese country when I was a child. I know the ropes.
I’ve seen the financial side of it and understand international trade up-close.”
Mr. Gouth smiled, relieved. “Anton did tell me you were a sleuth at math
But I can help you develop your managerial abilities too. Now, to get to the root of that…
We sell lithium and other things to a range of European and American clientele
The negotiation tables are usually within wealthy residences where we try and sell
Some deals go smoothly, and some can be cutthroat. I want you to be aware of this”
Minca looked into his eyes.
“I’ll be fine, sir. I hope that doesn't make me sound arrogant.”
|