Rimbaud’s Romance

The first line of the French poet, Arthur Rimbaud’s poem “Romance” or “Novel,” depending on the translation, goes: ‘You aren’t really serious at seventeen,’ or ‘We aren't serious when we're seventeen,’ or ‘When you are seventeen you aren't really serious,’ or something like that. I remember reading that line, that poem, at age 15 and wondering, musing more like, how the poem would feel two years later. Now, I read that poem, that line, at age 30 and wonder, muse more like, how the poem must’ve felt 13 years ago. But for the life of me, I can’t recall. I must’ve done so. I think I did. I guess Rimbaud was right.




Poetry by Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2026-05-13 at 17:13

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arquious The PoetBay support member heart!
Everything was dead serious back then, don't ask for specifics, memory no longer serves, but the feeling remains, I guess what stood out the most was that many of the serious things were also fleeting. But that's just me.
2026-05-14



Well, I can recall.
Your poetry has a way of provoking my own experiences. Can we contrast them with each other's? Not if you don't clue me....
Certainly. Some will be similar, some will be unique--
But I very much enjoy reading your words as much as it stirs up my own forgotten times. Hope you reach my age without too much trauma.
I think you are someone very wise for your years and you will keep adding. You are strong in your spirit.
2026-05-13