The buried temple through the sewer's dark
Sepulchral mouth that drools out mud and rubies
Reveals abominably some god Anubis
His whole snout blazing with a savage bark
Or should the new gas twist the filthy wick
Assuager so well known of shame long brooded

It kindles haggard an immortal pubis
Whose flight along the street lamps loiters awake

What dried leaves in the towns without the prayer
Of night can bless as it again must cling
In vain against the marble of Baudelaire

In veils that wreathe its absence with shimmering
His own Shade this a guardian poison still
To breathe in always even though it kill.


Translation by Herbert Creekmore

Randy Rich

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-tomb-of-charles-baudelaire/