To read the poem in the original French.
_______
Maureen Holm’s translation and her setting of the French, for soprano and violin, premiered at Carnegie Hall in April, 2000.
_______
For Maureen’s poems in Frenchand their translation into English.
For her poetry in Spring 2002.
Maureen is Senior Essayist and Articles Editor at Big City Lit previously featured in Spring 2001
_______
For more Poetry
_______
The photo of Valéry is borrowed from Todd Sander’s Library of French poets.
Paul Valéry Translated by
Maureen HolmThe Footsteps
Your footsteps, issue of my silence,
slowly make their hallowed way
chill and soundless to the bed
where I’ve kept constant vigil.
Oh, Pure One, Shadow Divine,
how soft Your tread in memory!
Lord! Every blessing I’ve surmised
has come to me on these bare feet.
If with lips inclined,
You mean to satisfy
the tenant of my mind
by feeding it a kiss,
don’t rush this gentle grace imbued,
sweet state of being and not being.
For I have lived awaiting all of you,
my heart but imprint of your many feet.
