Autumn and Paul Verlaine

There is nothing better on a golden autumn afternoon than picnic and reading. I did both today. :) Greetings with one of my favorite poets - Paul Verlaine, and his "Nevermore".

Nevermore

(Poèmes Saturniens: Mélancholia II)

Memory, memory, what do you want of me? Autumn
Makes the thrush fly through colourless air,
And the sun casts its monotonous glare
On the yellowing woods where the north winds hum.

We were alone, and walking in dream,

She and I, hair and thoughts wind-blown.
Then, turning her troubling gaze on me,
‘Your loveliest day?’ in her voice of fine gold,

Her voice, with its angel’s tone, fresh, vibrant, sweet.

I gave her my answer, a smile so discreet,
And kissed her white hand with devotion.

– Ah! The first flowers, what a fragrance they have!

And how charming the murmured emotion
Of a first ‘yes’ let slip from lips that we love!

 

 

This website has a wonderful selection of his poems translated in English: http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/French/Verlaine.htm