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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BEAUTY by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: I AM LOVELY AS A DREAM OF STONE. MEN SICKEN
Last Line: IN WIDE EYES BRIMMING WITH IMMORTAL BEAMS.
Subject(s): LOVE;

I AM lovely as a dream of stone. Men sicken,
Against my breast deep-bruiséd. I bring sore
Travail of Love to poets, evermore
Dumb as the Dust that no desire may quicken.
Sphinx-like I am throned aloof; as plumes that thicken
The breast of swans my chill heart's white at core;
All rhythm-offending tumult I abhor
Who am never with mirth elate nor sorrow-stricken.

Poets before my noble poise and gesture
That hath the pomp of all the world for vesture,
Waste their sad days in study of dry reams;
For I, to keep these loving suitors loyal
Hold mirrors up, that make all beauty royal,
In wide eyes brimming with immortal beams.



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