Love

Spleen

by Paul Verlaine 1844–1896

Translated by Gertrude Hall (1895) · From Romances sans paroles (1874)

Love

The roses were so red, so red,
The ivies altogether black.

If you but merely turn your head,
Beloved, all my despairs come back!

The sky was over-sweet and blue,
Too melting green the sea did show.

I always fear,--if you but knew!--
From your dear hand some killing blow.

Weary am I of holly-tree
And shining box and waving grass

Upon the tame unending lea,--
And all and all but you, alas!

MLA

Verlaine, Paul. “Spleen.” Translated by Gertrude Hall. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/verlaine/28/.

Chicago

Verlaine, Paul. “Spleen.” Translated by Gertrude Hall. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/verlaine/28/.

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