“Rejoicing” – a poem by Roodly Laurore (translated from French by Jerrice J. Baptiste)

November 28th, 2025

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“Exotic Birds of Hope”  by Jerrice J. Baptiste

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“Rejouissance” (“Rejoicing”) is a poem written by the Haitian poet Roodly Laurore, who is the uncle of Jerrice J. Baptiste, whose poetry is frequently published on  Jerry Jazz Musician.  The original French version and the one translated into English by Jerrice are both published below. 

You can listen to Jerrice introduce and read both versions of the poem here:

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.Réjouissance

Le son et les couleurs, mariage phenomenal.
Coule en douceur, amuse les passionnés de la nature.
Il décrit toute la beauté et l’amour.
Les roses – rouges dans le parterre du Jardin.
Non loin, un jet d’eau embellit d’un jeu de lumière.
Des abeilles et oiseaux tout autour chantent et butinent.
Augmentent l’appétit et la joie des gourmands
bien installés sur une table, près d’une piscine
Sous l’appui d’un Jazz en Ré – mineur.
Plus de place pour le strèsse.
C’est la vie en rose.

by Roodly Laurore (original poem, written in French)

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Rejoicing

Sound and colors, a phenomenal marriage.
Flows smoothly, amuses nature enthusiasts.
It tells of all the beauty and love.
Roses – red in the garden bed,
Not far away, a jet of water embellishes with a play of light.
Bees and birds all around sing and forage.
Increases appetite and joy of the gourmands
Well settled by a table, near a swimming pool,
Under the influence of a Jazz in D – minor.
No more room for chagrin.
It’s life in pink.

by Roodly Laurore (translated by Jerrice J. Baptiste)

 

 

 

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Roodly Laurore was born and raised in Haiti. He is an engineer and poet. His poems, widely published, are included in: Jerry Jazz Musician; Spirit Fire Review; Welter University of Baltimore; Taos Journal of Poetry; Kosmos Journal; Autism Parenting Magazine; Solstice Literary Magazine; The New Verse News. He is the father of two sons.

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Jerrice J. Baptiste is an artist, poet and author of nine books. She has been published in Jerry Jazz Musician, The Yale Review; Kosmos Journal; The Tulane Review; Eco Theo Review; The Caribbean Writer and many others. Jerrice enjoys playing the role of translator and illustrator. She teaches poetry where she lives in New York!

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Jerrice recommends readers view the Haitian All Jazz Stars performing their song “Sparks,” and hopes you will enjoy!

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Click for:

The Sunday Poem Archive

More poetry on Jerry Jazz Musician

War. Remembrance. Walls. The High Price of Authoritarianism – by editor/publisher Joe Maita

“My Vertical Landscape,” Felicia A. Rivers’ winning story in the 69th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest

More short fiction on Jerry Jazz Musician

Information about how to submit your poetry or short fiction

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25 comments on ““Rejoicing” – a poem by Roodly Laurore (translated from French by Jerrice J. Baptiste)”

  1. A wonderful poem of beauty and love, placed in an idyllic setting in a land torn by strife! Roodly has amazing stamina and love of life!

    Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup Lynn! I agree that Roodly’s poem is one of beauty and love! Thanks for reading and listening to the poem!
      avec joie
      Roodly et Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks Laurore for reading Roodly’s poem and visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
      with Joy
      Roodly et Jerrice

      Reply

  3. I love this poem! Thanks for the pleasure of translating it Roodly! Poet extraordinaire!
    with love
    Jerrice

    Reply

  4. Je remercie Jerry Jazz Musucian pour la publication de mon poème. Je souhaite longue vie à cette dinamique équipe .

    Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup Mirlande! Je suis daccord que la poesie de Roodly est transformative!
      Merci beaucoup de visiter Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
      Amitie
      Roodly et Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Yes Cindy I agree! The ending of Roodly’s poem is quite beautiful and captivating!
      ‘No more chagrin’ it’s life in pink!
      Thank you for your lovely words!
      Joy
      Roodly et Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thank you Carolyn! We love collaborating on this poem! I enjoyed translating Roodly’s magnificent poem!
      Be well.
      Roodly et Jerrice

      Reply

  8. Congratulations Roodly! I love & enjoy your poem in French & English!
    You’re an amazing poet!
    Thank you for sharing your muse!
    John D.

    Reply

    1. Thank you John D. We appreciate your kind words about Roodly’s poem!
      We are glad you enjoyed reading it!
      With Joy
      Roodly et Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thank you Cassandre for reading and commenting on Roodly’s poem!
      It’s quite magical, I agree! Thank you so much for visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
      With Joy
      Roodly et Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Susan for reading & listening to Roodly’s poem!
      It’s so appreciated! Thanks for visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
      Joy
      Jerrice & Roodly

      Reply

    1. Je félicite Roodly Laurore pour ce beau poème. J’adore le message d’amour qui s’en dégage, ça réchauffe le ❤️ !

      Reply

      1. Merci beaucoup Marie! C’est un bon compliment que tu fais a Roodly! Merci pour visiter Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
        Avec joie
        Jerrice & Roodly

        Reply

  13. Thank you so much Joanne! I’m grateful to collaborate with Roodly! He is very talented poet! Thanks for commenting and for visiting Jerry Jazz Musician Magazine!
    Best wishes
    Jerrice

    Reply

  14. An extraordinary achievement! Your poem shines with creativity and soul. Congratulations on this brilliant work!
    Best Wishes in Jesus’ name!
    Elysee Charles

    Reply

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