Barbara

Remember Barbara

It rained ceaaselessly on Brest that day

And you walked smiling

Flowing delighted blossoming

In the rain

Remember Barbara

It rained incessantly on Brest that day

And we saw each other in Siam Street

You were smiling

And likewise I was smiling

Remember Barbara

You whom I didn't know

You who didn't know me

Remember

Anyway remember that day

Don't forget

A man was sheltering in a doorway

And he called your name

Barbara

And you ran towards him in the rain

Blossoming delighted flowing

And threw yourself into his arms

Remember that Barbara

And don't resent me calling you tu

I say tu to everyone I like

Even if I've only seen them once

I say tu to eveyone who is in love

Even if I'don't know them at all

Remember Barbara

Don't forget

That wise and happy rain

On your happy face

On that happy town

That rain on the sea

On the naval dockyard

On the Ushant boat

Oh Barbara

What idiocy war is

What have you become now

Under this rain of iron

Of fire of steel or blood

And he who held you in his arms

Lovingly

Is he dead missing or perhaps still alive

Oh Barbara

It's raining incessantly on Brest

Just as it was raining before

But it's not the same any more and all is ruined

It's a rain of dreadful and desolate grief

It isn't any more even the storm

Of iron of steel of blood

But nothing more than clouds

Which pass away like dogs

Dogs which disappear

In the current over Brest

And go to decompose far away

Far away from Brest

Of which nothing is left