Translation:The Sleeper in the Valley

It’s a green hollow, where a river is singing Madly clinging to grass rags Of silver; where the sun, from the proud mountain, Is shinning: it’s a little valley bubbling with sunlight.

A young soldier, his mouth open, his head bare, And the nape of his neck bathing in cool blue watercress, Sleeping; he is stretched out on the grass, under the skies, Pale in his green bed where the light falls like rain.

Feet in the gladiolas, he is sleeping. Smiling like A sick child would smile, he takes a nap: Nature, rock him warmly: he is cold.

Sweet scents don't tickle his nose anymore; He sleeps in the sun, hand on the breast, Peacefully. He has two red holes in his right side.

translated by Ashaya.R, 2018 from Cahier de Douai, 1870