Songs

For the burial of a dead leaf
Two snails set out
They wear their black mourning shell
About their horns
They set out in the evening
A most beautiful autumn evening
Alas when they arrive
It’s already spring
The leaves that had died
Have all sprouted again
And the two snails
Are very disappointed
But here comes the sun
The sun who says to them
Pray take a seat
Pray sit down
Drink a glass of beer
If you wish
Take if you wish
The motor coach to Paris
It leaves this evening
You will see the countryside
But do not mourn
I’m telling you so

It will blacken the whites of your eyes
And make you ugly
Coffin matters
Are sad not funny
Be positive
Be life-affirming
Now that all the animals
The trees and plants
Are beginning to sing
As loud as they can
The true song of life
The song of summer
And everyone begins to drink
Everyone clinks glasses
It’s a most lovely evening
A lovely summer evening
And the two snails
Return home
Very moved
Very happy
As they have drunk a lot
They lurch a little
But up there in the sky
The moon watches over them.