L’amour ne peut plus voyager
Il a perdu son messager
– Georges Moustaki
Is there less love now
than there used to be?
Perhaps the messengers
have indeed died off,
as in chemical reactions
where two need to react
but won’t – with the
catalyst missing.
– James Steerforth (© 2011)
Written for Sunday Scribblings and Messenger.
The quote is from the song “Le facteur” by French singer Georges Moustaki.
Translation:
Love can no longer travel
because it has lost its messenger.
In the song, the messenger is a mailman, dead at age 17.
Steer Forth! 
Love as a chemical reaction..I love the play on this theme..all energy changes not dies..but without that initial spark or messenger to carry the flame it disappears..what a thoughtful and touching posting..Jae
I liked both poem and song. Really nice reading of messenger, albeit sad.
Thanks.
So sad about the mailman, but glad you added the info! First read of your poetry, and like it a lot. “Perhaps the messengers have indeed died off” is my favorite line. Love being inspired by music and musicians!
Here’s mine: http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/04/03/message-in-a-bottle-napowrimo-3/
Peace, Amy Barlow Liberatore
From the question that opens the poem to the metaphor of chemical reaction to speak of a messenger – well-done.
I don’t think there is less love, it’s a case of less ROMANCE.
The catalyst as a messenger to “activate” love is a beautiful concept. Must think more on this. There is not less love, but catalysts all have their propensity to activate a reaction before falling inert. Sad… G
First time here and like what I have found. I know about that missing catalyst, and the always waiting that never find fruition. Your poem speaks to me. Thanks for visiting my site,
Elizabeth