Arthur Rimbaud: Eternity

early morning sun by the sea

Eternity

L'Éternité

1 ( From: Fetes de la Patience)

It’s found we see.

                        

What? – Eternity.

It’s the sun, free

To flow with the sea.

Soul on watch

Let whispers confess

Of the empty night

Of the day’s excess.

From the mortal weal

From the common urge

Here you diverge

To fly as you feel.

Since from you alone,

Embers of satin,

Duty breathes down

With no ‘at last’ spoken.

There’s nothing of hope,

No entreaty here.

Science and patience,

Torture is real.

It’s found we see.

What? – Eternity.

It’s the sun, free

To flow with the sea.

2. (From: Une Saison en Enfer)

It’s found we see!

What? – Eternity.

It’s the sun, mingled

   With the sea.

My immortal soul

Keep your vow

Despite empty night

And the day’s glow.

So you’ll diverge

From the mortal weal

From the common urge,

And fly as you feel…

– No hope, never,

No entreaty here.

Science and patience,

Torture is real.

No more tomorrow,

Embers of satin,

Your own ardour

The only duty.

It’s found we see.

– What? – Eternity.

It’s the sun, mingled

    With the sea.

 

Arthur Rimbaud

1854-1891

photo Moesgård: gb