‘I have made a magic study of the good thing that eludes nobody.’ – Arthur Rimbaud
'O seasons, o castles! | Cemeteries can be uplifting. Sometimes it may be a nicely curved stone; an unusual inclusion on the memorial; or, sometimes just the shape. There are so many blog posts here prompted by what has been seen on headstones and in graveyards that I had to create a separate category. Sometimes it can be the inscription. Songs by Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash and Harry Lauder were all first encountered in a cemetery. Words and poems have been similarly found. St. Eltin’s Cemetery in Kinsale recently continued with my education. I did not understand the meaning of the inscription at the time. Nearly two weeks later, I still don’t, but I continue to love the term ‘magic study of the good things that elude nobody’. The web has assisted my learning. Arthur Rimbaud wrote A Season in Hell in 1873 when only 18 years old after the sentencing of poet Paul Verlaine, who had left his pregnant wife to have a 2 year relationship with Rimbaud, often tempestuous and lacking wealth. Paul Verlaine was sentenced to 2 years for shooting Arthur Rimbaud. My uncle had worked in Aden over 50 years ago, selling insurance to British soldiers, I think. It was a name that entered my brain long ago and has there remained with a sense of intrigue. Arthur Rimbaud after recovering at home in Charleville (the French variety, not Cork) travelled and settled in Aden dealing in coffee and guns – a story that has added to the intrigue. I now know a small bit more about Arthur Rimbaud and A Season In Hell. I suspect it will be some time, if ever, before I have an understanding of the writing. |