Charleville and Assisi
Jeune Rimbaud was the Francis of strict art,
Taboo creations. For his writing, he
Abandoned all, himself as well, to start
“wallowing in vice,” willing to be free
Of what was known. He’d grasp the disorders
That he’d compel among his senses. Sight
Would be impelled to hearing. The borders
Of smelling, tasting, touching he would blight
With drugs, with carelessness, with sex and grime.
Discomfort would taste sweet. The itch of lice
Would be parfum. Even the sense of time
Could be synesthesed by his crushing vise.
..He would compose a branding cantata
To secure stenched poetic stigmata.