They were talking about
pretended love
at the old table
riddled with worms
the fire warmed up the stove
the lentil darkened as it cooked
and in the open doorway
facing human words
composed in well-tried syntax
the beauty of the bitter foliage
and the birds with red breasts
were shining.
Jean Follain (1903-1971)
Translation by W.S. Merwin (from Selected Translations)