Afternoon Song

By Charles Baudelaire

Lyric Poem
    Though your eyebrows surprise,     and give you an air of strangeness,     which isnt that of the angels,     witch with seductive eyes,     I adore my frivolous girl,     my terrible passion,     with the devotion     of a priest for his idol!     The forest and the desert     perfume your wild hair:     your head has an air     of the enigma, the secret.     Round your flesh, perfume sweet     swirls like a censers cloud:     you bewitch like the twilights shroud,     nymph of shadows and heat.     Ah! The strongest potions made     cant match your idleness,     and you know the caress     that resurrects the dead.     Your hips are enamoured     of your back and your breasts,     and the cushions are ravished     with your poses, so languid.     Sometimes to appease     your rage, mysteriously,     you lavish, gravely     your bites and your kisses.     You tear me, my dark-haired one,     with a mocking smiles art,     and then cast on my heart     your gaze sweet as the moon.     Under your shoes so satiny,     your graceful silken feet,     I lay my genius, my wit,     my joy, and my destiny,     restorer of my healths sweetness,     you, all color and light,     explosion of warmth, bright     in my Siberian darkness.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a vivid exploration of love, adoration, and the intoxicating power of beauty. The speaker seems to be enamored by the physical and emotional aspects of his subject, a woman who is simultaneously intriguing and daunting. Her unconventional beauty, embodied in "strange" eyebrows and "seductive" eyes, creates an air of mystery that captivates the speaker. He juxtaposes the frivolity of his beloved with the gravity of his passion, suggesting the depth and complexity of his emotions.

The poem's tone oscillates between reverence and passion, reflected in the rich, sensual imagery. The woman's hair is imbued with the "perfume" of wild spaces, her body exudes a tantalizing scent, and her movements are seductive and languid. The use of religious language ("devotion", "priest", "idol") elevates the woman to a divine status, highlighting the speaker's profound admiration. The structure is free-verse, allowing for a fluid, organic exploration of the speaker's feelings. The frequent use of exclamation points underscores the intensity of these feelings. The poem concludes on a note of surrender, with the speaker offering everything - his genius, joy, destiny - to the woman who brings light and warmth into his life. The final image of a "Siberian darkness" illuminated by the woman's vibrant presence reinforces the transformative power of love.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.