The High Surge

An ataireachd Bhuan
Cluinn Fuaim na h-ataireachd ard
The torunn a' chuain
Mar chualas lean s' e nam phaisd
Gun mhuthadh gun truas
A sluaireadh gainneamh na tragh'd
An ataireachd bhuan
Cluinn fuaim na h-ataireachd ard

'S na coillten a siar Chan iarrain fhuireach gu brath
Bha m'inntinn 's mo mhainn
A riamh air lagan a bhaigh
Ach iadsan bha fial
An gniomh an caidreamh 's an agh
Air sgapadh gun doin
Mar thriallas ealtain roimh namh

Ach suibhlaidh mi uat
Cha ghluais mi tilleadh 'nad dhail
Tha m'aios is mo shnuadh
Toirt luaidh air giorrad mo la
An am dhomh bhi suaint
Am fuachd 's an cadal a bhais
Mo leabaidh dean suas
Ri fuaim na h-ataireachd ard

--oOo--

The ceaseless surge
Listen to the surge of the sea
The thunder of the ocean
As I heard it when I was a child
Without change
Without pity
Breaking on the sand of the beach
The ceaseless surge
Listen to the high surge of the seas

In the woods of the west
I would not want to remain forever
My mind and my desire were always
On the little hollow by the bay
But those folk
Who were generous in affection
In their happiness
And in their acts
Have been scattered defenceless
As a flock of birds flees
In front of their enemy

I shall move away
I shall no longer stay beside you
My age
And my looks
Speak of the shortness of my days
But when I am wrapped
in the cold sleep of death
Make up my bed
By the sound
Of the high surge of the seas