(Two readings of readings of Baudelaire)
by David Breeden
1.
We read Baudelaire together
With words such as “tresses”
“Carcasses” and “asunder”
We taste the French
We ponder the English
We see how it is for people
We read Baudelaire together
Seeing cascades and maggots
And blood. We see how it is
For we humans where
Words break down and love
Loves us but cannot say
Where it is, how it is
We are to survive
2.
We read Baudelaire together
Savoring the choice parts—
“Cascade,” “amber,” “golden tresses”
Putrescence and carcasses
I stumble on the French
She helps me, we read
Of hypocrisy, lust, and ennui
The things people know so well
We’re hiding here, working
Hard to be alone together
Rev. Dr. David Breeden is a parish minister and writer; see more at www.drpoetry.com.
