by phillipw | Oct 14, 2019 | RI, VE
The Blankness of the Prosaic “like an unfeeling stone” ~ Arthur Rimbaud while in Harar What turns a teenage poet into stone Without emotion? Maybe in the nest He made there he had banished joy and groan. Perhaps he planted rocks inside his chest To make the desert...
by phillipw | Oct 14, 2019 | LO, RI, VE
Watered Down Wine “My life would always be too ungovernable to be devoted to strength and beauty.” ~ Arthur Rimbaud That’s why he chose Verlaine. This Rimbaud deemed Himself unworthy, incapable of Superior phenomena. He steamed With second-rate...
by phillipw | Oct 14, 2019 | VE, WI
“The Most Beautiful Life in History” (Oscar Wilde on the life of Paul Verlaine) Wilde’s entertaining Magdalen French did not Amuse Verlaine. The fireworks of those words Were sparkling like champagne but they meant squat To Paul—or were as...
by phillipw | Oct 14, 2019 | RI, VE
Paul and Arthur [Have you ever noticed how the writers, The critics and biographers, insist On using surnames for them? The blighters Call them “Verlaine” and “Rimbaud.” Manly mist Beclouds the truth when academics choose Those family names instead of...
by phillipw | Oct 13, 2019 | RI, VE
If Only Someone Had Sent Verlaine Arthur’s High School Report The perfect monster that he grew to be Attained its zenith lacking moons and stars In London. He went on a hateful spree, Campaigning there to gouge his man with scars External and internal, both in...
by phillipw | Oct 2, 2019 | RI, Uncategorized, VE
No Doubt That high position in the mansion might Have reinforced his image of his place In history. Rimbaud conceived no slight Position for himself among the race Of poets. Maybe he surmised that he Could lord it over his boss, who after All was only a...
