2.
Il pleure dans mon cœur (It Weeps in My Heart)
From the collection Romances sans paroles (1874), this poem is a perfect
example of Verlaine’s skill in linking natural sounds to human feelings. The title
translates to “It Weeps in My Heart,” and the repetition of soft vowel sounds
mimics the sound of falling rain.
The poem expresses an inexplicable sadness. The rain on the town’s rooftops
mirrors the poet’s inner grief. Verlaine does not give a reason for the sorrow;
instead, he focuses on the sensation itself.
Its simplicity is striking. The use of short lines and musical cadence gives the
poem a hypnotic quality. The emotional connection between nature and the soul
is central to its charm.
3. Chanson d’Automne (Autumn Song)
“Chanson d’Automne” comes from the collection Poèmes saturniens (1866).
This poem is one of Verlaine’s most recognized works, famous for its mournful
tone.
The short, broken lines mimic the sound of a violin playing in the distance. The
imagery of falling leaves and fading days reflects the poet’s melancholy and a
sense of approaching death.
Interestingly, this poem also played a role in history. During World War II, the
Allies used its opening lines as a coded message to announce the D-Day
invasion. This historical connection adds another layer of significance to the
poem.
