5 Jacques Prévert Short Poems That Will Leave You Thinking

Jacques Prévert was a French poet, screenwriter, and playwright who is best known for his whimsical and thought-provoking poems. His work often explores the themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

In this article, we will take a look at five of Prévert's most famous short poems and discuss their meanings.

1. "The Leaves of Autumn"

Original French:

Les feuilles d'automne
Tombent une à une
Comme les larmes
D'une vieille lune.

English Translation:

The leaves of autumn
Fall one by one
Like tears
From an old moon.

This poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The leaves of autumn are a symbol of the fleeting nature of life, and the moon is a symbol of time itself. The poem suggests that as time passes, we all grow older and weaker, and eventually we must all die.

2. "The Bird"

Original French:

L'oiseau
Qu'on a vu tout seul
Sur la branche
Revient
Avec son chant
Dans le coeur.

English Translation:

The bird
That we saw alone
On the branch
Returns
With its song
In its heart.

This poem is a celebration of the power of love. The bird is a symbol of hope and renewal, and its song is a symbol of joy and happiness. The poem suggests that even in the darkest of times, love can still find a way to shine through.

3. "The Mist"

Original French:

Le brouillard
Cache les choses
Comme une écharpe
Qui cache le visage
D'une femme.

English Translation:

The mist
Hides things
Like a scarf
That hides the face
Of a woman.

This poem is a metaphor for the way that we often hide our true selves from others. The mist is a symbol of our fears and insecurities, and the woman's face is a symbol of our true identity. The poem suggests that we should all strive to be more open and honest with ourselves and with others.

4. "The Street"

Original French:

La rue
Est un fleuve
Qui coule
Dans la ville.

English Translation:

The street
Is a river
That flows
Through the city.

This poem is a celebration of the everyday beauty of life. The street is a symbol of the human experience, and the river is a symbol of time. The poem suggests that if we take the time to look around, we can find beauty and wonder in even the most ordinary things.

5. "The Children"

Original French:

Les enfants
Sont des fleurs
Qui poussent
Dans le jardin du monde.

English Translation:

The children
Are flowers
That grow
In the garden of the world.

This poem is a tribute to the innocence and beauty of childhood. The children are a symbol of hope and renewal, and the garden is a symbol of the world. The poem suggests that we should all cherish the children in our lives and do everything we can to protect their innocence.

Conclusion

Jacques Prévert was a master of the short poem. His poems are full of wit, wisdom, and beauty. They offer us a glimpse into the human condition and remind us of the importance of love, hope, and joy.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at five of Prévert's most famous short poems.