Sicilian Emigrant's Song

by William Carlos Williams

William Carlos Williams

O-eh-lee! La-la!
Donna! Donna!
Blue is the sky of Palermo;
Blue is the little bay;
And dost thou remember the orange and fig,
The lively sun and the sea breeze at evening?
Hey-la!
Donna! Donna! Maria!
O-eh-li! La-la!
Donna! Donna!
Gray is the sky of this land.
Gray and green is the water.
I see no trees, dost thou? The wind
Is cold for the big woman there with the candle.
Hey-la!
Donna! Donna! Maria!
O-eh-li! O-la!
Donna! Donna!
I sang thee by the blue waters;
I sing thee here in the gray dawning.
Kiss, for I put down my guitar;
I'll sing thee more songs after the landing.
O Jesu, I love thee!
Donna! Donna! Maria!





Last updated January 14, 2019