The piano kissed…

Joyous notes, a sounding harpsichord’s intrusion.
Pétrus Borel

The piano kissed by a delicate hand
Gleams distantly in rose-grey evening
While with a wingtips’ weightless sound

A fine old tune, so fragile, charming
Roams discreetly, almost trembling,
Through the chamber She’s long perfumed.

What is this sudden cradle song
That gradually lulls my poor being?
What do you want of me, playful one?

What do you wish, slight vague refrain
Drifting now, dying, towards the window
Opening a little on a patch of garden?

Paul Verlaine, translated by AS Kline