Kalinda by Gabriel Toussaint Guillaume

Drawing by Small Circle Big Circle
Kalinda

Listen friends, yes you have to listen:

Dance, the best way you can,
It’s thanks to the sounds of the drum.

Dance, the best way you know how,

You can dance as much as you can…

It’s thanks to the sounds of the drum,

Oh, how beautiful
Without which, there would not be any dancing.


Dance, the best way you know how,

It’s thanks to the sounds of the drum.


Oh how beautiful it would be,

If everyone could find a drum.


Ayibobo! (Victory cry)


The apple does not fall far from the tree;

All good things derive from good things

Thank you, drumbeats.


It is thanks to the sounds of the drum.


Ayibobo! (Victory cry)

– Original text in Creole by Gabriel Guillaume and translated into English by: Lodz Deetjen

Mezanmi tande, wi se poun tande: Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda,
Se gran mesi kout tanbou.


Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda, Ou te mèt byen banda…
Se gran mesi kout tanbou, San li pata gin Kalinda.


Oh, Ala bèl, wi sa ta bèl,
Oh bèl, oh bèl,
Si tout moun teka jwen tanbou.


Ayibobo!


Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda, Se gran mesi kout tanbou,


Joumou pa donnin kalbas,
Zannanna pa donnin pengwen;
Tout bon bagay, se prodwi bon bagay. Tout sa ki byen, soti nan sa ki byen. Mèsi kout tanbou, gran mèsi kout tanbou.


Ayibobo!


-Gabriel Toussaint Guillaume

Que signifie la chanson Kalinda?


L’Homme peut accomplire des choses merveilleuses et se vanter meme de reussites spectaculaires. Mais en realite, tout vient du createur.
Tous dons et toutes richesses sont des faveurs divines qui doivent servir du bien-etre de tous. Rendons grace a Dieu et partageons genereusement.


– Gabriel Toussaint Guillaume


What does the song Kalinda mean?


Humans can make wonders and can even be proud of spectacular accomplishments; but in reality, everything comes from The Creator.
All talents and all treasures are divine blessings that must be used to the benefit of all. Let’s praise God and let’s share generously.

La casa dell’artista – The Artist’s House

La casa dell’artista, olio su tela di Umberto Moggioli, 1918

The Artist’s House, Oil on canvas, 1918

I saw this painting in July, while in Venice. I love the light and the warmth it radiates. I love how the mother and the daughter are working so attentively and with such focus. Yet, they are clearly enjoying each other’s company. There is a great sense of peace and comfort. There is a great sense of welcome: the door is open and the table is set. Such beauty and simplicity.