Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LOVE OF DECEIT, by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE



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THE LOVE OF DECEIT, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Whenever I see you pass, dear indolent one
Last Line: Hail, mask, dear counterfeit! I bow, adore!
Subject(s): Duplicity; Love; Deceit


Whenever I see you pass, dear indolent one,
Amidst the surge of music in breaking waves,
Dangling your somnolent and slow allure,
Flaunting the ennui of your moody gaze,

When under the yellow gaslights I observe
Your pale forehead in a delicate artifice
Of torches that kindle an illusive dawn,
And your eyes like a portrait's cryptic glance entice,

I muse: How lovely she is, how fresh, bizarre!
The massive tower of memory looms above
And regally crowns her. Bruised as a fallen peach,
Her heart is ripe as her body for subtlest love.

I think of mellowed savors of autumn fruit,
A burial urn no rite of tears yet showers,
Scents that evoke the distant oases of dreams,
Caressing pillows, harvests of gathered flowers.

I know there are eyes like wells of melancholy
That hold no secrets rich as our surmise,
Jewelless coffers, locket-reliquaries,
Deeper and emptier than yourselves, O Skies!

Shall not the semblance alone suffice for me,
To rejoice my heart, since Verity I forswore?
What matters stupidity or indifference?
Hail, mask, dear counterfeit! I bow, adore!





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