Arthur Rimbaud
Faun’s Head (Alt. Trans.)
Within the leaves, this gilded bower,
Within the leaves, uncertain and full
Of blossoming blooms and drowsy kisses,
The exquisite tapestry is suddenly shaken
And a frightened faun flashes its eyes
While biting red flowers between white teeth
Browned and bloodied like old wine, lips
Bursting with laughter beneath branches.
And when he flees like a squirrel
HIs laugh remains, beading on each leaf,
And the Golden Kiss of the Woods, startled
By a bullfinch, resolves once again to rest.