Poems Saturnian
Poems Saturnian by French poet Paul Verlaine (1844-1896) is the first book of poetry that the "Prince of Poets" wrote. This is the book that launched his career. First published in 1866 under the title of Poèmes Saturniens, the influences are clearly Romantic and Parnassian: Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, Leconte de Lisle principally, but also Théophile Gautier, Catulle Mendès, Théodore Banville, and Albert Glatigny even. The poetry speaks for itself.Memory, memory, what do you want from me? Autumn made the thrushes flutter through the atonal air,And the sun shot monotonous rays Through the yellowing wood where the bise is distonal.We were alone together and walked dreaming,She and me, hair and thoughts to the wind.Suddenly, turning towards me her touching gaze,She said, "What was your finest day?" in her lively, golden voice. Her sweet and sonorous voice, with a fresh, angelic timber.A discreet smile of mine gave her the response andDevotedly I kissed her pale white hand.- Ah! the first flowers, how sweetly perfumed they are!And what a charming sound the first "yes" makesWhen it leaves the loved one?s lips!