DANIEL VAROUJAN'S POETRY
( 1884 - 1915 )

A Flickery Lamp

Written by Daniel Varoujan
Translated by Daniel Janoyan
Glendale, CA, February 20, 2000

Tonight is a festive night of triumph,
Bride, fill your lamp with oil.
My son will be returning from battlefield in triumph
Bride, hold the lamp from its wick.

A chariot stopped at our front door next to the well
Bride, light the oil lamp.
My son is coming with a proud laurel on his forehead,
Bride, bring forth the lamp towards the door steps.

But wait ... The wagon is loaded with blood and mourning,
Bride, hold your lamp closer!
My brave son has been struck in his heart,
Bride, put out the oil lamp !!!

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