Verlaine by Bliss Carman (1912)
A poem about the French poet Paul Verlaine, exploring his life and work through a series of vignettes and imagistic language.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Biography · 178 words
First lines
Avid of life and love, insatiate vagabond, With quest too furious for the graal he would have won, He flung himself at the eternal sky, as one Wrenching his chains but impotent to burst the bond.
Yet under the revolt, the revel, the despond, What pools of innocence, what crystal benison! As through a riven mist that glowers in the sun, A stretch of God's blue calm glassed in a virgin pond.
Prowler of obscene streets that riot reek along, And aisles with incense numb and gardens mad with rose, Monastic cells and dreams of dim brocaded lawns,
Death, which has set the calm of Time upon his song, Surely upon his soul has kissed the same repose In some fair heaven the Christ has set apart for Fauns.
What this Textopian page supports
Verlaine is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Biography
- Length: 178 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman's book 'Verlaine' is a poetic work revolving around themes and emotions expressed in poetry.
- Biography — The book presents a biographical portrayal of the French poet Paul Verlaine.
Tags
Poetry · Symbolism · Romanticism · Existentialism · Nature · Mythology · Fantasy · Surrealism · Dreams · Love · Loss · Longing