The Old Man and the Sea
“Bleu, bleu, l’amour est bleu,” crooned the old man beneath his cap
Remembering the promise he had failed to keep as a lad of nineteen
He stood before the sea, and his heart surged piteously
Remembering the promise he had failed to keep as a man of thirty-two
“Comme l’eau, comme l’eau qui court,” sang he, wading into surf
Remembering the promise he had failed to keep as a cavalier of fifty-four
His blood ran cold as a sea-voice joined in
“Fou comme toi et fou comme moi,”
then down he went
in a sea-embrace
till he sang
no
more.
Click here for the English translation to “L’amour est bleu”; Paul Meriat’s instrumental version in 1967 was the only number-one hit by a French lead artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 in America.
This Jolly Beggar 
Sounds like a song full of regrets.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think you’re right, Iain. Sometimes the past won’t let go.
LikeLiked by 3 people
At least he went singing, which may be the best any of us can hope for
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh so true! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked hearing you read your story, Dora. Such a tragic tale of woe. The haunting ending truly elevates it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww, you’re so kind, Lisa! Thank you. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very welcome ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, that was a good one … dragging me down with it to the sea. Love it! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always look forward to your comments, Bear, and I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! 💝
LikeLiked by 2 people
Likewise, I look forward to reading your stories. I’ve felt the need to say some extra prayers for you this week. Don’t know why, just did… so, I Did.
LikeLiked by 3 people
How humbling to know our Lord led you to do so! Yes, I have been in need of extra prayers and I have been calmed today, to walk in trust not fear into a process that will take the next few months to resolve. Times like these I hang on to Romans 8:28 with both my hands and all my heart! All thanks be to our Lord for your prayers, for your listening to His voice. ❤️ God bless you, my dear.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I’ll continue praying, then. He’s got you in His hands, dear. Nothing to fear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure you’re not an angel in disguise? 💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful song of regret.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Jenne. There may have been preternatural hands waiting to pull him under, to his final regret. 😱
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now, that I’ve heard the song I can’t stop singing it. ~~~ : – )
So much said in 100 words, Dora. I enjoyed the story. I hope
his love of the sea fulfilled his dreams. Be Safe 😷
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha! I had to sing it for a junior high school performance as part of a quartet. Every once in a while I’ll think of that and shiver with remembered horror! But it really is an unforgettable song. ❤️😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh those songs we had to sing in chorus do stick with us. I’m glad that chorus introduced me to musicals or pop songs. That’s a plus …
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was fun, I agree, and unforgettable. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was singing along as I read. The benefits of being a French Quebecer 🙂
Now as to the story, I don’t know why I don’t feel sad for him, though too much regret has taken over. Somehow I feel he will find peace now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m with you, I can’t pity him too much, but I do think he’s gone to his reward for sure. I got a kick out of your singing along – Now that makes me smile! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
From the first line, I couldn’t help but sing! 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
💙😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
The sea can give and take, but it is beautiful just like your offering this week.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A lovely compliment, Michael, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this story, Dora. I’m very familiar with the Paul Mauriat version. Thanks for sharing this one. I will keep you in my prayers too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very sweet to do so, thanks, Adele, and many blessings to you, my friend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Dora 🙂 And thank you for the blessings. May God bless you too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Quite a peaceful ending I think, even though he is no more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
He couldn’t escape what the sea promised.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I liked that your song is in French, Dora, as the photo shows the Mediterranean Sea and a section of beach on the Côte d’Azur.
And slipping into these beautiful waters sounds to me like a pretty good way to go…
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a beautiful photograph , C.E., and I enjoyed working with it and I’m more than a little blown away that it’s coincidentally a beach in France! Ye muses! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I lifetime of regrets in so few and beautiful words. Very powerful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Generous praise, thank you! Yes, his broken promises came back to haunt him in the end.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Broken promises, regrets and hopefully, forgiveness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
He was sensitive to his misdeeds, and that’s his one redeeming quality. Thanks for reading, Keith! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
a riveting sad story. too bad there was no happy ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i wonder what happened to my comment. please correct and edit. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Done, my friend. Thanks for commenting and I’ll do my best to give you a happy ending next time!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely and beautiful voice narration. I felt myself being drawn into the sea and sensed how his life was ebbing away.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks, James. Evenings on a beach sometimes have that stealthy allure, don’t they, where you just want to lose yourself.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So much regret does have a way of pulling us under. Excellent writing, Dora!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Brenda! So glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This reads like a song, The Ballad Of The Old Man And The Sea. It’s a hard thing when our regrets catch up with us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did aim for a lyrical ballad but you won’t catch me singing it! 🙂 Thank you for the generous comments.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So incredibly sad–especially that he didn’t seem to learn anything from his earlier mistakes. Very well-written.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Some folks never learn. Thank you, Linda. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
The sea makes their claim. Something hauntingly poetic…
LikeLiked by 2 people
There’s a sense of justice due, and gained. Thank you so much Tannille.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Dora,
I’m so happy to hear you read and hope it becomes a habit. 😉 You do it very well…not to mention, your story is wonderful. Full of pathos.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Rochelle,
Thank you Rochelle. It’s a kick to do the reading and I’m so glad you enjoy it especially as I’ve always enjoyed yours. As for making it a habit? I’ll surprise you. 😀
Aleichem shalom,
Dora
LikeLiked by 2 people
A poetic tale but such a sad way to go while singing a song of lament.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I guess in a way his regrets, like the sea, pulled him under. Thank you for the lovely comment Subroto.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a sad end. An emotional story. Difting off in the sea’s embrace. I hope he will be happy now
LikeLiked by 2 people
Let’s hope so. Thanks for reading Laurie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Fou comme toi et fou comme moi,” You place this sentence really well. From this point on, the old man’s death is inevitable. Reading it gave me a real chill. The whole story is an excellent emotional evocation of the despair that accompanies guilt.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your comments encourage me with their generosity, Penny. What you describe is exactly what I was going for. Thank you. 😊😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a take on this title. I feel as if Hemingway would approve. Well done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Now that’s quite a compliment indeed! Borrowing his title was mostly tongue in cheek but an homage all the same. Thanks Anna. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person