De la route a faire [English translation]

There is still a long road between men

before the fateful crossroad becomes Rome

as the crusaders christen themselves the new pilgrims,

united to divide, all in all.

Smells still remain, an olfactive overdose.

They remain mournful and recall tears

as

scents drift away, remains of past joys,

ancient houses whence the moan emerged.

There is still a long road

There are still pictures, cathodic landscapes

with amniotic stenches that wake up from a nightmare1

those whose cyclic nature bestow again the rage

of sad caged lions with chaotic loves.

There is still a long road ahead

There is still a long road between men

before the fateful crossroad becomes Rome

as

as the scents kick in

without having to pay with a smile

to go on with the quest

There is still a long road ahead

1. I can't see how that could make any sense in French. I assume it's "en nage", meaning "drenched with sweat" (like waking up from a nightmare)