Phrases

 

 

When the world is reduced to a single dark wood for our four eyes'

astonishment,-- a beach for two faithful children,-- a musical house for

one pure sympathy,-- I shall find you.

 

Should there be here below but a single old man, handsome and calm in the

midst of incredible luxury, I shall be at your feet.

 

Should I have realized all your memories,-- should I be the one who can

bind you hand and foot,-- I shall strangle you.

 

* * *

 

When we are very strong,-- who draws back? very gay,-- who cares for

ridicule? When we are very bad,-- what would they do with us?

 

Deck yourself, dance, laugh. I could never throw Love out of the window.

 

* * *

 

My comrade, beggar girl, monster child! O it's all one to you these

unhappy women, these wiles and my discomfiture. Bind yourself to us with

your impossible voice, your voice! sole soother of this vile despair.

 

* * *

 

An overcast morning in July. A taste of ashes flies through the air;-- an

odor of sweating wood on the hearth,-- dew-ret flowers-- devastation

along the promenades-- the mist of the canals over the fields-- why not

incense and toys already?

 

* * *

 

I have stretched ropes from steeple to steeple; garlands from window to

window; golden chains from star to star, and I dance.

 

* * *

 

The upland pond smokes continuously. What witch will rise against the

white west sky? What violet frondescence fall?

 

* * *

 

While public funds evaporate in feasts of fraternity, a bell of rosy fire

rings in the clouds.

 

* * *

 

Reviving a pleasant taste of INdia ink, a black powder rains on my vigil.

I lower the jets of the chandelier, I throw myself on my bed, and turning

my face towards the darkness, I see you, my daughters! my queens!