Asleep in the valley

Arthur Rimbaud

A small green valley where a slow stream flows

And leaves long strands of silver on the bright

Grass; from the mountaintop stream the Sun's

Rays; they fill the hollow full of light.

A soldier, very young , lies open - mouthed,

A pillow made of fern beneath his head,

Asleep; stretched in the heavy undergrowth,

Pale in his warm , sun - soaked bed .

His feet among the flowers, he sleep . His smile

Is like an infant's-- gentle, without guile .

Ah, Nature, keep him warm; he may catch cold.

The humming insects don't disturb his rest;

He sleep in sunlight, one hand on his breast;

At peace. In his side there are two red holes.

Partha Garain