Les berceaux

The cradles

Les berceaux

Along the quay, the large shipsLe long du quai, les grands vaisseaux
That the swell silently inclinesQue la houle incline en silence
Do not pay attention to the cradlesNe prennent pas garde aux berceaux
That the hand of women rocks.Que la main des femmes balance.

But the day of farewells will come,Mais viendra le jour des adieux,
For it is necessary for women to cry,Car il faut que les femmes pleurent,
And for curious menEt que les hommes curieux
To try the alluring horizons.Tentent les horizons qui leurrent.

And on that day, the large shipsEt ce jour-là, les grands vaisseaux
Fleeing the diminishing port,Fuyant le port qui diminue,
Feel their mass held backSentent leur masse retenue
By the soul of distant cradlesPar l'âme des lointains berceaux
By the soul of distant cradlesPar l'âme des lointains berceaux