Poetry Annual · Fall 2003

Iranian Caravan Scrap

Arthur Rimbaud

Translated by Mark Spitzer

When the Iranian caravan stopped at the fountain of Ctésiphon, it was with the despair of finding it drained. Some accused the Magis, others the Muslim priests. The camel drivers cursed together . . . They had been traveling for several moons . . . with cargos of incense, gold and myrrh. Their leader cried out . . . decided to eliminate . . . Some accepted.