Le déserteur [English translation]

Dear Mister President,

I write this letter truthfully

And given enough time maybe

you'll read what I have sent.

For I've received with fright

a letter from the army

Informing that they need me

in the trenches Wednesday night.

But Mister President,

my heart was never willing

I wasn't made for killing,

you'll never have me bent.

I hope you don't feel hurt

by reading my confession

I've made a firm decision:

I'm going to desert.

I've felt the pains of war:

my father followed orders

And died, just like my brothers.

My kids I hardly saw.

My mother's suffering ended

and where she is resting

No bombs and no molesting

upon her may descend.

When I a captive was

they took away my wife

That woman was my life,

and all that's left is loss.

Tomorrow I will rise

and close my front door silently

At dawn, and leave behind me

the dead years of my life.

I now will spend my time

a pilgrim on a voyage

So all can hear this message,

be told about this crime:

Do not accept that hate,

refuse to obey their orders,

Do not commit their murders,

be not a soldier made.

If blood must now be shed

you should give some of yours

For, President, your laws

like apostles' words us led.

If my arrest you plot,

please tell the guards that catch me

That I no arms will carry,

and safely can be shot.

• Artist:Boris Vian