Flowers of Evil

<h3><SPAN name="Exotic_Perfume" id="Exotic_Perfume"></SPAN>Exotic Perfume</h3> <p class="margin-b"> When, with closed eyes, on a hot afternoon,<br/> The scent of thine ardent breast I inhale,<br/> Celestial vistas my spirit assail;<br/> Caressed by the flames of an endless sun.<br/> <br/> A langorous island, where Nature abounds<br/> With exotic trees and luscious fruit;<br/> And with men whose bodies are slim and astute,<br/> And with women whose frankness delights and astounds.<br/> <br/> By thy perfume enticed to this region remote,<br/> A port I see, laden with mast and with boat,<br/> Still wearied and torn by the distant brine;<br/> <br/> While the tamarisk-odours that dreamily throng<br/> The air, round my slumberous senses intwine,<br/> And mix, in my soul, with the mariners' song.<br/></p> <hr style="width: 35%;" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />