The Sleeper in the Vale

The Sleeper in the Vale

A Poem by Max
"

My attempt at a translation of Arthur Rimbaud's "Le Dormeur du Val"

"

It’s a valley of green where a stream sings aloud,

Winding wildly through silver grass it runs;

Where the sun shines above the great mountain so proud,

It’s a valley filled with rays of the sun.

 

A young soldier, mouth open, head bare,

Across the cool grass he sprawls,

Sleeping; beneath the clouds so white and fair,

Pale in his green bed where the sunshine falls.

 

He sleeps with his feet in a blue flower nest.

Smiling as a sick baby smiles, he rests.

Nature, warm him: cold he lies.

 

The scents of the valley don’t trouble his rest;

He sleeps beneath the sun, hands on his still breast,

as the blood from the bullet holes dries.



Max Levites - 5/23/11

© 2011 Max


Author's Note

Max
My attempt at a translation of Arthur Rimbaud's "Le Dormeur du Val". Yes, this was a real poem before I wrote it, so don't tell me that. This is merely a test of my translating abilities.

Original poem in French can be found here: http://poesie.webnet.fr/lesgrandsclassiques/poemes/arthur_rimbaud/le_dormeur_du_val.html

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Reviews

Paul Verlaine replied to Arthur Rimbaud "Le Dormeur du Val" with, Come, dear great soul. We await you; we desire you", I imagine he would have done the same for you

Posted 12 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

The is an unfinished quality here that leads the reader to feel unsettled, what is his destiny after all? Beautifully written love, I like your work a lot! xx

Posted 12 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.


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616 Views
2 Reviews
Added on May 24, 2011
Last Updated on May 24, 2011
Tags: translation, arthur, rimbaud, dormeur, du, val, sleeper, vale, death, soldier, war, nature

Author

Max
Max

Philadelphia, PA



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Update 1/10/11: Sorry guys, haven't been on for a few months, mostly due to being too busy with school. I might post sporadically throughout the school year, but I have very little time for read requ.. more..

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