Future, Poem by Charles Cros

Poem by Charles Cros Collection The Sandalwood CasketPeriod 19th century

The black poppies and the faded cornflowers
In the heady hay that delights the stable,
The yellowed letter where my respectable ancestor
Made outdated vows to my grandmother,

The snuffbox where my great-uncle put his nose,
The inlaid backgammon on the little table
Delight me. So in a calculable time
My verses will delight you, you who are not yet born.

Now, I am very much alive. The wind that comes sends me
A scent of blossoming hawthorn and lilacs,
The sound of my kisses covers the sound of knells.

O readers to come, who live in the joy
Of sixteen, of lilacs and first kisses,
Your loves make my decomposed bones rejoice.

Charles Cros

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