"The Lice Seekers" by Arthur Rimbaud (poetry reading)

[Ozrielos]

I have "responded" with a slightly different version. Sound quality is far worse, but what is interesting is how very different the two translations sound...

[Ozrielos]

This is an interesting translation. There is another one out there by Jeremy Harding, which rhymes less well but I think is better - and which mentions "electric fingers", closer to the translation that we can assume Campbell had heard...

[MrRicey80]

@Ozrielos Yes, I also prefer the Harding translation. Has a more raw feel to it, which seems to reflect the rawness of the lice-infested scalp. I also love the finish - 'the endless ebb and flow of a desire to cry.' I also love the 'harmonica sigh' reference.

[dryslic]

Very fine poem, thankyou. Rimbaud, 'poet of revolt and the greatest'.