Sleeping in Paris
We could only see your hand
After your train accident
That you had chosen and wanted
To stop your life
Your remains in eight pieces
Have been taken to Paris
To the forensic institute
Where you began your eternal sleep
Then we buried you
At the Parisian cemetery of Ivry
Now you sleep forever in Paris
Next door to where you began your life
Alongside those of the Manouchian group
Who had fought for freedom
You did it by destroying yourself
Your life had so much meaning
And like all lives, it came to an end
Too soon I think
For I am your father
I respect your choice
I love all your life
I love you
You ended up sleeping in Paris
Where I am
In tribute to Hippolyte Labourdette
Direction, images, text and music by Benoît Labourdette (2023)