2017.09.29.
Had we not known each other
This is but the song of a sailorwho sung it on board in the evenings
as he left the port.
This is but a tune he sang full of hope,
memories of sweet confessions
whispered between him and her.
(chorus)
Had we not known each other,
never would my heart, nor my lips,
no, never would they have retained
the memories of these feverish moments.
I would not need, as I depart,
would not need to see your eyes again,
I would not feel, as I see you,
this slight quiver of emotion.
Love would not have come our way,
had we not known each other.
When the mean waves become threatening,
the sailor, ignoring the wind,
sings alone at the bow.
As his heart tells him, he can't possibly be shipwrecked.
He sings about bygone days,
despite the sea spray.
(chorus)
But the one for whom the sailor sings so
has many more seamen
sailing the sea.
No matter! Each one of them thinks he's the only one and,
overjoyed, finding exile a lot easier to bear,
sings to the ship's boy:
(chorus)
Do whatever you want with my translations. I'm not rich enough to sue you anyway.