Maladie de l'Apres-Midi

Why does the clanking of a tip-cart
In the road"

Make me so sad?

The sound beats the air

With flat blows,

Dull and continued.

Not even the clear sunshine
Through bronze and green oak leaves,
Nor the crimson spindle of a cedar-tree
Hooded with Virginia creeper,
Nor the humming brightness of the air,
Can comfort my melancholy.

The cart goes slowly,
It creeps at a foot-pace,
And the flat blows of sound

Hurt me,

And bring me nearly to weeping.