A tribute to The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Little being, descending from your star,
Your heart draws desert animals.
And when night slowly unveils her altar,
Your bright smile echoes like crystals.
Little child, you gave your heart to a flower.
Your volcanoes are calmly expecting you.
While the traveller, you await in your tower,
You catch sight of fertile maps within you.
Little Prince! Little Prince!
Draw me your country.
Fall asleep on the dunes
And soar to the moon!
A dream shaper, you truly are.
You found heaven before any grown-up—
A child’s heart soothes the deepest scar.
Children like you are a sweet cup.
Sometimes, it is lonely among people, too.
Yet, some spirits have confident honesty
That fills the emptiness with tongues so new
That everything suddenly becomes beauty.
Little Prince! Little Prince!
Draw me your country.
Fall asleep on the dunes
And soar to the moon!
Little angel, sitting across the horizon,
The sun caresses your blond curly hair.
Often, the land for you loses its blazon;
Yet, you always feel freedom’s prayer.
Little man, your soul is a friend.
Your love has tended to her needs;
And my flame, you would daily defend,
So that I, too, could finally spread the seeds!
Little Prince! Little Prince!
Draw me your country.
Fall asleep on the dunes
And soar to the moon!
They may try to debase your infinity.
They may try to torment your kingdom.
Yet, forgiveness has been part of your trinity
Towards those who have lost their freedom.
So, little prince, continue on your way.
Wait for another star and another flower.
Smile at the present to pave tomorrow’s day.
Children’s souls have some unique power!
Little Prince! Little Prince!
Draw me your country.
Fall asleep on the dunes
And soar to the moon!
Little Prince,
Your best ally,
(Your province)
Is the sky!
©2010 Cendrine Marrouat
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Author:
Cendrine Marrouat (
Offline) - Published: April 19th, 2025 10:34
- Comment from author about the poem: In 2006, I was challenged by an author to write a poem in French about "The Little Prince." The piece would be featured in an anthology paying homage to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's most famous book. Of course, I said yes! It was a fun experience. Unfortunately, the project did not materialize. But I was very happy with the poem and translated it into English a few years later. I included that translation into one of my books, "The Heart of Space" (2020).
- Category: Children
- Views: 8
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Poetic Licence
Offline)
Comments2
Good write C.
An amazing poem about an amazing book. I remember reading it years ago and tears filled my eyes just thinking of the genius of its metaphors and how they fall on deaf ears and uncaring minds. This poem brought these memories back to mind and moistened my eyes making it in my mind a great poem and piece of art. Definitely a fave Translating a poem from one language to another is a task in itself just ask Alexander Pope about the Iliad and the Odyssey. I have attempted it a couple of times so I know how difficult it is to preserve the meaning meter and rhyme
Thank you!
It is a great book, isn't it? I have read many times.
Yes, translation is difficult. I am a former translator, and playing with the language has always been a passion of mine.
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