BIEN LOIN D'ICI

Portrait of Charles Baudelaire
Charles Baudelaire 1821–1867

HERE is the chamber consecrate, Wherein this maiden delicate, And enigmatically sedate,

Fans herself while the moments creep, Upon her cushions half-asleep, And hears the fountains plash and weep.

Dorothy's chamber undefiled. The winds and waters sing afar Their song of sighing strange and wild To lull to sleep the petted child.

From head to foot with subtle care, Slaves have perfumed her delicate skin With odorous oils and benzoin. And flowers faint in a corner there.

Keep reading

Discover more of Charles Baudelaire’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.