This brief essay on Paul Celan follows his life from childhood to his suicide at age 49 in Paris on May 1, 1970. Paul grew up a German speaking Jew, he was in different prison camps throughout the war, after which he worked in a factory, then as an interpreter, teaching languages, and writing poetry. He later felt great conflict with speaking the language of those who had killed so many Jews. His relationships were unsuccessful, although he did have successful friendships with females.