Coimhead iad
fhathast a’ tighinn
ceum air cheum
le eagal nan crìdh’
’s iad nan leth-chadal
ach fhathast ag èisdeachd
mar gum bu chòir don
ghaoth tuiteam
agus faclan a ràdh
ann an cogar.
Cha leig an t-eagal leotha tilleadh –
iadsan a tha a’ sabaid airson Beatha,
iadsan a tha a’ cosg èibhleag an teine
aig an crìdh’.
Rugadh iad don ghrèin
’s sheòl iad greiseag ga h-ionnsaigh,
fear an dèidh fir,
ceum air cheum.
’S cha bhi air fhàgail
ach an onair
air a sgrìobhadh
air oiteig gaoithe. |
Watch them
still returning
one after the other
step by step
with fear in their hearts
but half asleep
yet listening
as though the wind should drop
and speak
in a whisper.
Fear won’t let them return –
those who are fighting for life,
those who wear the cinder of fire
at their hearts.
They were born to the sun,
and sailed a while towards her,
and will continue towards her,
one after the other –
step by step.
And only their honour is left –
written on
a breath of wind. |
