Hope Shines Like a Straw in the Stable, Poem by Paul Verlaine

Poem by Paul Verlaine Collection WisdomThemes ReligionPeriod 19th century

Hope shines like a straw in the stable.
What do you fear from the wasp drunk on its mad flight?
See, the sun still smolders at some chink.
Why did you not fall asleep, your elbow on the table?

Poor pale soul, at least that water from the icy well,
Drink it. Then sleep afterward. Come, you see, I stay,
And I will dandle the dreams of your nap,
And you will hum like a cradled child.

Noon strikes. For pity’s sake, go away, madam.
He sleeps. It is astonishing how a woman’s footsteps
Echo in the brain of the poor wretched.

Noon strikes. I have had the room watered.
Go on, sleep! Hope shines like a pebble in a hollow.
Ah! when will the roses of September bloom again!

Paul Verlaine

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