You Are Always With Me – Fine Art Print
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Age-resistant art paper
FSC-certified paper
The phrase “I carry you within me like a wounded bird” originates from the French poet Louis Aragon, drawn from his renowned poem "Il n’y a pas d’amour heureux". Composed amidst the upheaval of the Second World War, the poem contemplates love characterised by fragility, absence, and defiance. Over the years, it transcended its literary roots: set to music and performed by Georges Brassens and later Françoise Hardy, it found renewed life in the public’s heart. The line endures, tender and unresolved, as if a quiet thought left lingering. We felt compelled to transform it into a visual piece.
Some phrases embed themselves deep within us. This one brought a bird along. We sought to create something you could live alongside, something to grace your walls with subtlety, never clamouring for attention.
The woman portrayed cradles the bird as though safeguarding a secret. The hues? Warm yet understated. Symbolic without solemnity. This artwork speaks of gentleness, sorrow, perhaps even love. We’re not here to dissect it. We simply made it, and truth be told, it still occupies our thoughts.
There is no such thing as happy loveWe never truly hold onto anything,Neither our strength, nor our frailtyNor our hearts.And when we open our armsOur shadow takes the shape of a cross.And when we attempt to embraceJoy, we end up crushing it.Our lives are a strange and painful separation.There is no such thing as happy love.
Like warriors now disarmed,Trained for greater triumphs –Why bother rising each morning?If by evening we find ourselvesStill uncertain of our purpose?Repeat these words and hold back your tears.There is no such thing as happy love.
My dear sweet love tears me apart;I carry it within me like a wounded bird.And passers-by do not know, as they watch us,That these words I have woven for you perishThe moment they meet your gaze.There is no such thing as happy love.
It’s far too late now to learn how to live,Let our hearts grieve together through the night.For every simple song we pay with sorrowFor each thrill we pay with regretEven a sweet melody we pay with tears.There is no such thing as happy love.
There is no love without painThere is no love that escapes bruisingThere is no love that does not fadeEven the love for your homeland.There is no love without tears.There is no such thing as happy love.
But this love is ours; for both of us!
Louis Aragon, 1946Translation by Dora and Patricia Daniel, 2015
- Unique wall art designed by Posterscape's talented artists in France, printed and shipped from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
- Typical UK delivery time: 2–4 business days via our dedicated UK logistics partner. Framed posters may take an extra 2–3 days to arrive, as they require additional care and preparation.
- Our posters are printed on demand in the UK using high-quality FSC-certified 200 gsm paper, ensuring both sustainability and premium finish.
- Complimentary framing service! Your poster arrives framed and ready to hang—no extra cost.
- High-quality oak frames, chosen to match diverse UK interior styles.
- UK-based fulfillment supports faster delivery and lowers environmental impact.
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