Poetry of Revolution: Romanticism and National Projects

3.5.2 Love on the Plantation

Estelle is only one of many recurring female figures who find their way into Rires et

Pleurs. The other women, however, who inspire much of the poetry in the second part of the

collection primarily do so by way of sensual beauty as opposed to spiritual kinship. As he does

in “Idalina,” the poet by way of hues and shapes highlights the physical traits of the many

Haitian women whom he has loved. The noires prunelles, front bruni, oeil de jais, cheveux

d’ébène, and peau luisante are among the many rich and colorful words used to convey the

warmth and radiance of these current and past lovers. Their outward appeal is further

complemented by their interactions with the poet which express their authenticity, affection,

playfulness, and simplicity. In the poem “Nos payses” the poet cheerfully admits that for all of

these reasons his preference is for Haitian women when seeking poetic inspiration:

Si la muse, un jour, me demande

Des vers, --une ode, un triolet –...

Je n’irai pas, quittant le Nouveau Monde,

Monter mon luth pour la blanche aux yeux bleus...

Mais à ma négresse

Dont la folle caresse

Verse en mon cœur l’ivresse,

---Vers aux doux sons,

Chansons! (1-9)

The poet’s realm is not just the new world and the nation of Haiti, but more specifically

the Haitian countryside. The word “payse” refers in French to the (female) person of the same