As long as the blade has not
Cut off that brain,
That white green fatty package,
With its vapor never fresh

(Ah! He should cut off his
Nose, his lips, his ears,
His belly! and give up
His legs! O miracle!)

But no; truly, I believe that as long
As the blade on his head,
The stones on his side,
The flame on his guts,

Have not acted, the troublesome
Child, the so stupid animal,
Must not stop for an instant
Cheating and betraying,

And like a Rocky Mountain Cat
Making all spheres stink!
Yet at his death, O Lord.
May some prayer rise up!


- Rimbaud, "Shame"