Love Poem: My Recurrent Dream, Translation of Paul Verlaine's Sonnet: Mon Reve Familier
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Written by: T Wignesan

My Recurrent Dream, Translation of Paul Verlaine's Sonnet: Mon Reve Familier

My Recurrent Dream, Translation of Paul Verlaine's Sonnet : Mon Rêve Familier

I'm often subject to a strange and invasive dream
Of an elusive woman whom I love, and who loves me  
And who at every encounter might not the same be
Nor altogether another be, yet forbearing in her love seem.
 
For knowing how my open heart laid bare will confirm 
How for her alone it beats, helas ! I can breathe free
Yes, for her alone, the paleness of my brow dewy  
She alone knows how to relieve, her tears stream.

Is she a brunette, blond or russet ? - I ignore.
Her name ? I recall it sounds sweet, echoes in the ear
Like those of lovers Life puts apart.
 
Likewise her looks, the gaze of statues,
And, as for her voice, distant and calm, and the art
Of the gravity of cherished voices long since mutes.

© T. Wignesan - Paris, December 1, 2018