Readings in French

　　 by Larry Levis

　　 1.

　　 Looking into the eyes of Gerard de Nerval

　　 You notice the giant sea crabs rising.

　　 Which is what happens

　　 When you look into the eyes of Gerard de Nerval，

　　 Always the same thing： the giant sea crabs，

　　 The claws in their vague red holsters

　　 Moving around， a little doubtfully.

　　 2.

　　 But looking into the eyes of Pierre Reverdy

　　 Is like throwing the editorial page

　　 Out into the rain

　　 And then riding alone on the subway.

　　 Also， it is like avoiding your father.

　　 You are hiding and he looks for you

　　 Under each vine； he is coming nearer

　　 And nearer. What can you do

　　 But ignore him？

　　 3.

　　 In either case， soon you are riding alone on a subway.

　　 Which is not important.

　　 What is important is to avoid

　　 Looking too closely into the eyes of your father，

　　 That formal eclipse.