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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FETES GALANTES: ROMANCES SANS PAROLE: 7 by PAUL VERLAINE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THE ROSES WERE ALL RED
Last Line: AND ALL BUT YOU, ALAS
Subject(s): LOVE;
The roses were all red
And the ivy was all black.


Dear, it only needs one move from you
For all my despairs to reawaken.


The sky was too blue, too tender,
The sea too green and the air too mild.


I fear all the time, ever waiting,
Some terrible flight from you.


Of the holly with its varnished leaf
And of the shining boxwood I am weary


And of the never-ending countryside,
And of everything, except you. Alas!




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