Classic Poem

I

The multicoloured mushroom seems
a Japanese toad's
parasol.

II

The dragon-fly strives patiently
to fasten its transparent cross
to the bare and trembling bough.

III

Ants on inert cricket crawling.
Memory
of Gulliver in Lilliput.

IV

Mingled, in the quiet evening,
chimes of angelus and bats
and swallows fly.

V

The little fly-tormented ass,
while he is being burdened, dreams
of emerald Elysian Fields. . . .

VI

The tiny monkey looks at me. . . .
He would like to tell me something
that escapes his mind!

VII

Beneath my window the moon on the roofs,
and the cats' silhouettes,
and their Chinese music.

VIII

Amidst the blue and white waves
the rolling swim of dolphins,
arabesques of wings and anchors.

IX

Smitten by the solar sun
the glass sea breaks to shivers.

X

The clock seems gnawing at the midnight feast,
echoed by the rat's
minute-hand.

XI

Red cold
guffaw of summer,
slice
of watermelon!