Poems About The Fall | Mama Lisa's World Blog

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An Occitan Poem for Autumn

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Here’s a short, pretty, Occitan poem to mark the start of Fall. Occitan is a language spoken in parts of southern France, Spain and Italy. It was the language of the troubadours.

Monique Palomares, who works with me on Mama Lisa’s World en français, sent sent the poem to me.

The poem was written by Louisa Paulin (1888 – 1944). Below you’ll find the original poem in Occitan with a recording, followed by an English translation. The translation was mainly done by Monique, with a little help from me. It was recited by Monique.

Silenci de l’auton
(Occitan)

Silenci de l’auton quand lo vent s’es pausat
doç coma una pluma de palomba
escapada de la negra man del caçaire.
Silenci saure de l’auton
ont s’ausis la darrièra vèspa
e lo mai escondut al plus prigond del còr.

Recording of Silenci de l’auton

Here’s an English Translation:

Silence of the Fall
by Louisa Paulin

Silence of the Fall when the wind calmed down
as soft as a dove’s feather,
slipped from the hunter’s black hand.
Golden silence of the Fall
when one hears the last wasp
and what’s most hidden in the depths of the heart.

Many thanks to Monique for the poem, recording and translation!

Mama Lisa

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Posted in Countries & Cultures, France, Languages, Mama Lisa, Occitan, Occitan, Poems, Poems about the Fall, Poetry, Poetry about the Seasons | 1 Comment »

“Chanson d’Automne” – Autumn Song – A Poem by Verlaine

Monday, November 26th, 2007

Here is one last poem about Autumn before I focus on the topic of the upcoming December holiday season.

I came upon this poem while looking for French podcasts to brush up on my French in anticipation of a trip to France in the Spring. There’s a whole podcast in French devoted to this poem that you can listen to. It inspired me to come up with my own translation, which you can read below.

Chanson d’Automne is a very sad poem that was written by Paul-Marie Verlaine in 1866. Most French people are familiar with this poem as it’s taught in school. French children are often required to learn it by heart.

Chanson d’Automne

Les sanglots longs
Des violons
De l’automne
Blessent mon cœur
D’une langueur
Monotone.

Tout suffocant
Et blême, quand
Sonne l’heure,
Je me souviens
Des jours anciens
Et je pleure;

Et je m’en vais
Au vent mauvais
Qui m’emporte
Deçà, delà,
Pareil à la
Feuille morte.

Autumn Song

The long tears
Of Autumn’s
Violins
Wound my heart
With a monotonous
lethargy.

All suffocating
And pale when
The hour strikes,
I remember
The old days
And I cry…

And I am going away
On an ill wind
That carries me
Here, there,
Just like a
Dead leaf.