Fiat Lux, Poem by Charles Cros

Poem by Charles Cros Collection The Sandalwood CasketPeriod 19th century

He walks at the vague hour when day falls. He walks,
Carrying his tall poles. And, a double ogive, the arch
Of the bridge frames the water, the color of rooster feather.
He is warm and hasn’t a penny to buy a beer.
But everywhere his steps resound, the light
Shines. He is the humble lamplighter
Who, coming home for soup, seated with his wife,
Kisses her, lit by the six-to-the-pound candle,
Without suspecting – no ignorance is vile –
That he has diamonded, simple man, the great city.

Charles Cros

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