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500 Hats part 2
Here is the end of an almost dark tale. Hence the dark lighting. Below is a cabinet picture of the beautiful, melancholic Gérard de Nerval. Today on his passing day I am posting my favorite poem of his that I have loved since a teenager.
THE DARK BLOT
Le Point noir
He who has gazed against the sun sees everywhere
he looks thereafter, palpitating on the air
before his eyes, a smudge that will not go away.
So in my days of still-youth, my audacity,
I dared look on the splendor momentarily.
The dark blot on my greedy eyes has come to stay.
Since when, worn like a badge of mourning in the sight
of all around me where my eye may chance to light,
I see the dark smudge settle upon everyone.
Forever thus between my happiness and me?
Alas for us, the eagle only, only he
can look, and not be hurt, on splendor and the sun.
Translated by RICHMOND LATTIMORE
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By Patti SmithHere is the end of an almost dark tale. Hence the dark lighting. Below is a cabinet picture of the beautiful, melancholic Gérard de Nerval. Today on his passing day I am posting my favorite poem of his that I have loved since a teenager.
THE DARK BLOT
Le Point noir
He who has gazed against the sun sees everywhere
he looks thereafter, palpitating on the air
before his eyes, a smudge that will not go away.
So in my days of still-youth, my audacity,
I dared look on the splendor momentarily.
The dark blot on my greedy eyes has come to stay.
Since when, worn like a badge of mourning in the sight
of all around me where my eye may chance to light,
I see the dark smudge settle upon everyone.
Forever thus between my happiness and me?
Alas for us, the eagle only, only he
can look, and not be hurt, on splendor and the sun.
Translated by RICHMOND LATTIMORE
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support the work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pattismith.substack.com/subscribe