
THE SUNLIT HOURS - BY - ÉMILE VERHAEREN - TRANSLATED BY - CHARLES R. MURPHY - NEW YORK - JOHN LANE COMPANY - M CM XVI
A luminous meditation unfolds in a garden of light, where the simple act of sitting beneath apple trees becomes a portal to deeper feeling. The prose swirls with vivid images of blooming flowers, singing birds, and mirrored waters, inviting listeners to breathe in the same sun‑kissed air that the narrator describes. Through this sensory tapestry, the work gently explores how everyday moments can echo the rhythms of the heart.
As the voice turns inward, the narrative weaves love and longing with the natural world, drawing parallels between tender touches and the rustle of leaves. Early passages capture the tender awakening of affection, the quiet wonder of shared glances, and the promise of a companionship that steadies the soul. The tone remains intimate and reflective, offering a serene space for listeners to linger in the beauty of both external splendor and inner reverie.
Language
en
Duration
~21 minutes (21K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Marc D'Hooghe
Release date
2014-04-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1855–1916
A leading voice of Belgian Symbolism, this French-language poet brought huge energy and feeling to poems about cities, crowds, nature, and modern life. He was also an influential art critic, and his work helped shape the literary world of fin-de-siècle Belgium.
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by Emile Verhaeren

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