Le ciel est, par-dessus… – Paul Verlaine
Welcome to your weekly immersion in French en poésie.
À méditer cette semaine
« Le temps est un grand maître, il règle bien des choses. » — Pierre Corneille
"Time is a great teacher; it sets many things right."
La Chanson à savourer
Le Poème de la semaine
Paul Verlaine – Le ciel est, par-dessus le toit
A still moment. A silent question. A sky so blue it aches.
This week, we slow down with a poem of quiet beauty, a gentle breath in the rush of life.
Le ciel est, par-dessus le toit by Paul Verlaine, poet of mood, music, and melancholy. Written during a time of solitude and reflection, this piece from Sagesse is one of Verlaine’s most tender poem. Short, lyrical, and accessible, it captures a fleeting moment: the calm of a blue sky, the murmur of the city, the ache of lost time.
Whether you're here for the French, the poetry, or just a little peace, you'll find something in these lines to carry with you.
And in this edition, we’ll also take a closer look at:
The full poem, audio, and English translation
Some simple grammar
Useful vocabulary words
A short spotlight on Verlaine and how this poem fits into his life and work
No need to interpret, just let the music of the language do its work.
“Qu’as-tu fait, toi que voilà, de ta jeunesse ?”
What have you done, you there, with your youth?
A quiet question. A deep one. One to sit with.
Let’s read it together.
Laissez les mots vous emporter :
Tip: For the best learning experience, listen first, then read, then check the translation. Repetition is key, immerse yourself as much as you like!
Normal Speed Audio :
Les Paroles :
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