Sorrow's Song

A translation of a poem by Franc Halas. This poem was a direct reaction to the Munich Conference of 1938. also dubbed the "Munich Betrayal."

Sorrow's song

How many a time, verse of mine

how many a time you've stumbled

in love's pain sorrow mine

privately mumbled

how many a time, verse of mine

how many a time you've danced.

Now with a step mighty armed

verse of mine;

march forward!

With footman's rhytm sound the words

with distress weaved through;

the distress of four thirds

It tolls, it tolls; Treason's bell!

Whose hands pulled the rope?

Sweet France, O' proud Albion!

And to you was our love's envelope!

I saw tears in women's eyes,

knuckles white turning slow

before away, soon time flies

you truly shall us know.

You, queen of seas almighty,

the sea of tears is ours,

the fruit of anger blooms now ripely

hope's anchor rings as tick the hours!

It tolls, it tolls; Treason's bell!

Whose hands pulled the rope?

You, France, O' sweet France

where lies your cap O' Marianne?

Cracked sits, shield of the Sun,

and with shame it boils, your stance!

It is night, in trenches covered

the beat of a land's blood resounds

for lands known or undiscovered

the last soldier ashamed now stands.

It tolls, it tolls; Treason's bell!

Whose hands pulled the rope?

Sweet France, O' proud Albion!

And to you was our love's envelope!

Our field, it shouts; Betrayal!

Our forests murmur; Shame!

Our rivers cry; Betrayal!

Our mountains thunder; Shame!

Silence now, silence is the voice that climbs

Soul of the people, don't stutter - rise!

Geni Genie of country ours

upon your wings

tears rest like midnight flowers

Geni Genie of country ours

when clocks beat evil hours

sharpen your sword so evil cowers!

Reviews

[Raynie12]

This so quickly caught my attention, I greatly enjoyed each word.

[M. Lumiére]

Thanks a lot~