"Sporting Goods"

Happy Saturday!  Hope you enjoy today’s offering, which is my translation of a poem by French Surrealist poet Phillipe Soupault.  I made the translation long ago in a country far away—namely, the 1990s in San Francisco.  

In other news: I’m off for a long performance day at the Council Farmer’s Market—last one of the year.  I’ll be playing the equivalent of about three sets of old blues, & will also be backing up good friend & music partner Heather Uebelhoer while she fronts her own set of singer-songwriter covers; the Recording King tricone will have its performance debut during Heather’s set.  Also: stop press!  There’s a new post on Eberle’s blog, Platypuss in Boots!  You can check it out right here.

Have a lovely Saturday!

Sporting Goods

Courageous as a postage stamp
he went his way
fingers gently tapping his palms
to count his steps
his heart red as a wild boar
was beating beating
like a pink and green butterfly
From time to time he'd plant a little satin flag
When he'd walked a long way
he sat down to take his rest and fell asleep
But since that day there've been lots of clouds in the sky
lots of birds in the trees
lots of salt in the sea
There are also lots of other things

Philippe Soupault
translation © 1990-2010 Jack Hayes