The poem
LE JARDIN
The lily's withered chalice falls Around its rod of dusty gold, And from the beech-trees on the wold The last wood-pigeon coos and calls.
The gaudy leonine sunflower Hangs black and barren on its stalk, And down the windy garden walk The dead leaves scatter, - hour by hour.
Pale privet-petals white as milk Are blown into a snowy mass: The roses lie upon the grass Like little shreds of crimson silk.
English
This poem is about change; change in seasons as well as from young to old. Beginning with youth, the Lily serves as an innocent and young figure. The sunflower represents adolescence, and finally the privet bush represents old age. The poem concludes with a rose lying on the grass meaning that winter and death are near.