INTIMATE VERSES

No one attended, as you 've seen, your last
Chimera's awe-inspiring funeral.
Ingratitude — that panther — has been all
Your company, but it has been steadfast!

Get used to mud: soon it will hold you fast!
Man living among wild beasts on this foul
And sordid earth cannot resist the call
To turn himself as well into a beast.

 

Here, take a match. Now light your cigarette!
A kiss is but the eve of being spat,
A stroking hand, my friend, may stone you too.

 

If your great wound still saddens anyone,
Cast at that vile hand stroking you a stone,
Spit straight into the mouth that kisses you!

(Augusto dos Anjos)