Baudelaire: The Albatross

Translated from the French "L'Albatros" of Baudelaire "Souvent pour s'amuser les hommes d'équipage Prennent des albatros..." Often the ship's crewmen catch an albatross Or two for fun, the indolent and free Companions of the ship that glides across The surface of the deep and bitter sea. Hardly have they dropped them on the planks before These captive kings, disgraced and mortified, Feel their great wings, each like a heavy oar, Dragging pathetically at either side. Oh how this wingèd voyager is weak! How ugly he who soared in grace on high! The crewmen stick a pipe into his beak Then limp to mock this cripple who could fly! The poet’s like this monarch of the clouds Who haunted storms and mocked the bows and slings; Now banished to the jeers of earthly crowds, His legs are handicapped by giant wings.