Les ballons rouges [English translation]

I never had a red ball

as a kid, in my neighbourhood

in one of those lethargic provinces.

All my balls were deflated.

I never had proper hollidays.

Alone, facing the sea

as my heart gave the tempo

for seaguls swimming in the air.

Never asked for anything, never got anything.

Never gave anything, never received anything.

I never played marbles

as a kid, in my neighbourhood.

I was stuck in my family

like a martyr at his stake.

I never had a stroll

alone, facing the wind.

I used to read the Marquis de Sade

and already liked couches1

Never asked for anything, never got anything.

Never gave anything, never received anything.

The fairies were not by my side

as a kid in my neighbourhood.

They walked the street for money

They were all unionised.

I saw no Cindirella's carriage

amidst the starts. My Cindirella

wore a dirty dress

but had no slippers.

Never asked for anything, never got anything.

Never gave anything, never received anything.

Still I already had the chance,

as a kid in my neighbourhood,

to pay no attention

to what others thought.

And I never saw in History

any rule or fame-thirsty

warrior nor king who would

have more pride than I had.

Never asked for anything, never got anything.

Still I did... what I wanted...

1. an allusion to psychoanalysis, I suppose