326

Rimbaud : LE DORMEUR DU VAL

In a verdant aperture a river sings,
Hanging senselessly from the grass
In silver rags. The sun lights upon the
Proud mountainside in cascading waves.

A young soldier sleeps : his mouth is open,
His head bare, his nape sunk in fresh, blue
Watercress. He is laid out under the sky, 
Pale in his green bed where the light falls.

He sleeps, his feet in the gladioli. Smiling
Like an invalid child, he rests his eyes.
Nature, cradle him warmly : he is cold.

No perfume will make his nostril quiver.
He sleeps, a hand on his motionless breast.
There are two red openings in his right side.