La vieille barque [English translation]

The old sailor is no longer

and no one will come to cry him—

neither a friend nor a woman.

Only the old wooden boat

like a widow remained there,

lying on its side in the sand.

The old rusty anchor,

the oars, the heavy net—

the only witnesses to joys and tears.

So many memories

from all of the days sleeping there,

in the wood of the old boat.

It was before the sun rose

that they went out on the sea, both

having only the clouds

to guide their travels—

and the stars in the heavens.

Where are the blue mornings?

The big birds playing

hide and seek in the hollows of the waves

when the boat and the sailor

watched the mornings dawn

at the hour when the stars vanished.

The old sailor is no longer.

The old boat remained there

waiting no doubt for a wave

that will then carry it away.

It will be able to make that day

one final trip.