Pulvis and umbra sumus
The snows have come
For long, the plains have seen their grass lines recede and the trees their hair fall.
The Earth takes on its new appearance
We are but dust and shadows.
On both sides of this pleasant justice that a river limits,
men, women and children are dying along its banks
Rivers are drying up
We are but dust and shadows.
Grace, with the Nymphs and her two sisters, no longer dares to lead her dances naked.
Do not hope for immortal things, that is the advice given to you by the year and the hour which carries away the nourishing day.
We are but dust and shadows.
The cold is more and more violent.
Zephyr is no longer this gentle wind coming from the West
to carry the beautiful Psyche from her rock to the kingdom of the God of Love
Zephyr no longer announces spring
A long winter with white shrouds stretching as far as the eye can see
We are but dust and shadow.
Who knows if, to the total reached today, the gods above will add the moments of tomorrow?
Pulvis et umbra sumus
Salima Bouyarden is Doctor in Mediterranean and Oriental Studies from the University of Strasbourg.
She is specializing in identity, Islam and globalization issues.