Submit a Poem
Get Your Premium Membership
spacer
Pinterest button


Photo of Paul Verlaine

Verlaine, Paul

Paul-Marie Verlaine was a French poet associated with the Symbolist movement. He is considered one of the greatest representatives of the fin de siècle in international and French poetry.. French poet associated with the Symbolist movement

Email Poem - Melancholy Email Poem

Melancholy

I am the Empire in the last of its decline, 
That sees the tall, fair-haired Barbarians pass,--the while 
Composing indolent acrostics, in a style 
Of gold, with languid sunshine dancing in each line.

The solitary soul is heart-sick with a vile 
Ennui. Down yon, they say, War's torches bloody shine. 
Alas, to be so faint of will, one must resign 
The chance of brave adventure in the splendid file,-

Of death, perchance! Alas, so lagging in desire! 
Ah, all is drunk! Bathyllus, has done laughing, pray? 
Ah, all is drunk,--all eaten! Nothing more to say!

Alone, a vapid verse one tosses in the fire; 
Alone, a somewhat thievish slave neglecting one; 
Alone, a vague disgust of all beneath the sun!



Comments