I especially love this poem. Of course a Frenchman (okay, Belgian) would think to carry a bed where-ever he goes just in case he sees a beautiful woman, oui?
Simplicity by Henri Michaux
What has been missing in my life until now is simplicity. I am beginning to change, little by little.
For example, now I always go out with my bed, and when a woman pleases me, I take her to bed immediately.
If her ears are ugly or large, or her nose, I take them off with her clothes, and put them under the bed. I keep only what I like.
If her underthings could use a change, I change them right away. That is my gift. If, on the other hand, I see a more beautiful woman passing by, I excuse myself to the first and make her disappear at once.
Some who know me suggest I am incapable of doing just what I said, that I haven’t the temperament. I once believed so myself, but that was because I wasn’t doing everything exactly as I pleased.
Now all my afternoons are good. (Mornings, I work.)
Translated by Nin Andrews from Someone Wants to Steal My Name, CSU Press, 888-278-6473
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7 comments:
How old was he when this was written?
He published it first in a collection in 1930 when he was 31 years old. About the same time he wrote "Mes Occupations," which begins: "It's the rare person I meet whom I don't want to beat up."
"Mes Occupations" is a favorite of mine. I think it would do everyone good to read that now and then. Thanks for your translation of the underthings poem. i love that one, too.
I love him too. Thanks for the translation. And "Mes Occupations" is an all-time classic...
Awesome poem!!! Michaux is a genius!
http://schabrieres.wordpress.com
I love Michaux, too. A. I am writing to you from a far-off country, B. My Occupations [trans. R. Ellman]--"I can rarely see anyone without fighting him," C. the magic stuff and Plume, D. The Session with the Sack.
I read this poem when I was 17. Now I am 44. I manage my growth to go in the direction of this poem.
Truly: all my afternoons are great!
I thank Henri for his guidance and you for transltion and sharing.
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