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For
Jalel El Gharbi
In the evening, I often find myself wandering
without aim down my street,
moving along to the music of the pacified air,
flowing into it like the sea flows
into the promise of a wonderful summer!
Sometimes I stop, trembling with emotion, and look at the buildings,
full to the brim with their harmonious solitude and discreet elegance!
How many of my friends who used to live there are no longer with us!
How many people I loved have quietly joined the fatal cortege of silence!
Suddenly, a grief I can’t control burns through my limbs,
exploded into my temples and runs through my veins
In a vehement, mad rush
like a fire fanned by raging winds!
And my soul starts to tremble like a violet tortured by a storm,
trying to keep safe all the love
with which time and tears have amply filled it:
the vigorous love that can’t be weakened or broken!
As if cared by an unknown dream, I walk slowly home!
Children’s shouts caress me, the song of blackbirds jostles me,
the fresh fragrance of the first flowers to bloom this year
guides me towards sleep!
I know I’m of the race of those setting suns that still keep
their ancient magnificence but not their early morning vitality,
I belong with those majestic rivers that withdraw into themselves
after a turbulent spring,
and live alone within the limits imposed on them by fate!
Gods, please welcome me into death
with the respect due to the Word of those who have glorified
your ineffable splendour!
Translated into English by Norton Hodges
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