The Young Sun’s Greeting

The young sun’s greeting

On my bed, your letter’s glow

All the sounds that burst from morning

Blackbirds’ brassy calls, jingle of gonoleks

Your smile on the grass, on the radiant dew.

In the innocent light, thousands of dragonflies

Quivering, like large black-winged golden bees

And like helicopters turning with gentle grace

On the limpid beach, gold and black the Tramiae basilares

I say the dance of Mali’s princesses.

You are the one I seek, on the path of the tiger-cats.

Your scent always yours, from the buzzing brambles of the bush

Headier than a growing lily’s perfume.

Your redolent throat leads me on, your scent wafted by Africa

When with my shepherd’s feet I trample tufts of wild mint.

The season done, my trials overcome, in the depths of the abyss

God! may I find you again, find your voice, your fragrance of vibrant light.