Charles Baudelaire

The French poet and critic Baudelaire was born in Paris. His poetry, classical in form, introduced symbolism by establishing symbolic correspondences among sensory images (e.g., colors, sounds, scents).

Meditation

by Charles Baudelaire (1821–67)

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16

Calm down, my Sorrow, we must move with care.

You called for evening; it descends; it's here.

The town is coffined in its atmosphere,

bringing relief to some, to others care.

Now while the common multitude strips bare,

feels pleasure's cat o' nine tails on its back,

and fights off anguish at the great bazaar,

give me your hand, my Sorrow. Let's stand back;

back from these people! Look, the dead years dressed

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Poets Book of Days

April 9

Charles Baudelaire born, 1821

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Poetry Trivia

Question:

When was the first volume of Emily Dickinson's poetry published?

Answer

In 1890, four years after her death. The edition was largely expurgated and edited to fit the poetic conventions of the time. Further editions came closer to her original style; her distinctive dashes were included in the 1955 edition edited by Thomas H. Johnson.

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