J'ai voulu ce matin te rapporter des roses; Mais j'en avais tant pris dans mes ceintures closes Que les noeuds trop serrés n'ont pu les contenir.
Les noeuds ont éclaté. Les roses envolées Dans le vent, à la mer s'en sont toutes allées. Elles ont suivi l'eau pour ne plus revenir.
La vague en a paru rouge et comme enflammée. Ce soir, ma robe encore en est toute embaumée . . . Respires-en sur moi l'odorant souvenir
The Roses of Saadi by Marceline Desbordes-Valmore
I wanted to bring you roses this morning; But I had closed so many in my sash That the knots were too tight to contain them.
The knots split. The roses blew away. All blew off to the sea, borne by the wind, Carried to the water, never to return.
The waves looked red as if inflamed. Tonight, my dress is still perfumed. Breathe in the fragrant memory.
Eau de parfum: mémoire en bouteille by Grace Haak
The remembrance reverberates.
I see a silk sash stuffed with splendor Trinkets collected from a local vendor Knots ******* as if a form of art Thorns pressed up against my heart But for you, I’d pierce my soul.
The recollection resonates.
I feel wind entangle my hair in twists Matted and messy from soft sea mist Dripping and damp from a walk too far Only thought is getting to where you are But for you, I’d run forever.
The reminiscence resounds.
I smell a sweet scent of rose The kind that always tickles my nose Stuck in an overpowering haze A sickly aroma drags me into a daze But for you, I’d plant a garden.
Sometimes, when I forget to forget you I leave the sea with crushed petals and stained hands. The blood on my hands is yours.
I’ll wither and wilt, wondering why you left all your flowers when you said goodbye.
When I knock back my own perfume, the roses re-echo he loves me he loves me not he loves me he loves me not