by Charles Baudelaire
Angel of joy, do you know the anguish,
The shame, the remorse, the worry, the tears,
And the frightful night's vague terrors
In which, like paper crumpling, your heart will squish?
Angel of joy, do you know the anguish?.
Angel of kindness, do you know the hate,
The tears of bile, the fists clenching in the shade,
When Vengeance beats its drums and raises its blade
And reminds us that it is the captain of our fate?
Angel of kindness, do you know the hate?.
Angel of health, do you know the Fevers,
In a hospice where the feet of exiles trail
Across the large halls past walls long and pale
Seeking some small sun as one last pain reliever?
Angel of health, do you know the Fevers?.
Angel of beauty, do you know the creases,
And the fear of growing old, and the hideous torment,
The secret horror in the one with whom your life has been spent
As the fire in eyes that once burned for you ceases?
Angel of beauty, do you know the creases?.
Angel of happiness, of gayety and light,
David asked for health as he lay dying and shoddy
From the emanations of your enchanted body;
But I implore you, angel, only for your sight,
Angel of happiness, of gayety and light.