…….Paradox
The rupture caused by Rimbaud, alcohol,
And green absinthe destroyed fatherhood
And Holy Matrimony. Like Saint Paul
Struck down (but not by Jesus) Verlaine could
See nothing till the scales fell from his eyes.
Before that boy Verlaine had known that booze
And drugs were magnifique, but the surprise
That startled him prophetically was screws
With Arthur while drugged up and drunk—and blind
With love. Paul was blottoed by the sky blue
Eyes of poetry that stabbed him from behind.
Butt-fucking lust and highs made up the brew
That gave him visions which would tear apart
Distractions from his poetry and heart.