Le déserteur [English translation]

Sirs, you who are called "great,"

I am writing you a letter

That you will read, perhaps,

if you have the time.

I have just received

my military papers

To go to war

before Wednesday evening.

Sirs, you who are called "great,"

I don't want to do that.

I am not on earth

to kill poor people.

This is not meant to annoy you,

but I must tell you:

Wars are insane.

The world has enough of them.

Since I was born,

I have seen brothers die.

I have seen fathers leave,

and children cry.

Mothers have suffered too much

while others prosper

And live at their ease

in spite of mud and blood.

There are prisoners

whose souls have been stolen,

Whose wives have been stolen,

and all their loved ones gone.

Tomorrow, first thing in the morning,

I will close the door

On the past.

I will go on the road.

I will beg for my livelihood

on land and sea,

From the old to the new world,

and I will say to people:

Profit from life.

Alleviate misery.

All men are brothers.

People of all countries:

If it is necessary to spill blood,

go spill your own.

Sirs, you good apostles

sirs, you who are called "great":

If you pursue me,

inform your police

That I will be unarmed,

and they can shoot.

• Artist:Boris Vian