In the Clearing

Poem by Charles Cros Collection The Collar of ClawsPeriod 19th century

For greater agility, for the loyal duel,
The witnesses decreed that they would fight nude.
The causes of the combat will remain unknown.
The two said: A purely individual motive.

The blonde has a white body, buxom, sensual;
Blood reddens her white breasts and her fleshy lips.
The brunette has an amber body and slender forms;
Her blue-black hair casts shadow on her cruel gaze.

This hedge where shirt and dress have been thrown,
This body that alternately advances or dodges,
These breasts whose fury makes the nipples stand,

These iron beatings, these whistling caresses,
Everything seems to amuse this young man with the gentle eye
Who smokes while watching his mistresses kill each other.

Charles Cros

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