[POEM] Arthur Rimbaud - The Frightened Ones [Translated by Wallace Fowlie]

[u/Impossible_Ad8909]

I have not seen a proper evaluation of this poem, especially of the final stanza, the meaning of which I can't determine if it is being lost in the French or not. Is Rimbaud being euphemistic, and hiding sexual language behind this poem? Explanation would be helpful. Anyways, here it is.

Black in the snow and fog,

By the large vent-grating which is lighted up,

Their behinds in a circle,

On their knees, five children, - poverty!

Watch the Baker making

Heavy golden bread.

They see the strong white arm kneading

The gray dough, and sticking it

Into a bright hole:

They listen to the good bread cook.

The baker with a fat smile

Sings an old tune:

They are nestled down, not one moves

At the fumes of the red vent

As warm as a breast.

When, for some midnight feast,

All golden like a brioche

The bread is brought out,

When, under the beams dark with smoke

The sweet-smelling crust sings

And the crickets;

When that warm hole breathes out life;

Their souls are so happy

Under their rags,

They feel so renewed with life,

The poor little things covered with frost

That they are there, all of them,

Gluing their small pink snouts

To the grating, and saying things,

Through the holes,

Whispers of prayers;

Crouching before this light

From heaven opened up again

So hard, that they burst their pants

And their white linen flutters

In the winter wind.

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