So I need to find a poem ...

[Emily]

In about a month's time, my town's theatre is going to be holding auditions for their next big production. They're looking, in particular, for young actors (teenagers), and I've decided to give it a go.
The candidates have to present three things, one of which is a poem of their choice. Ideally, I would choose The Applicant by Sylvia Plath, but the problem is that it's a French audition, and I can't stand the translation.

So, can anybody recommend me any French poetry ?

[Jonathan]

Paul Verlaine is very easy for reading aloud, although maybe not to everyone's taste as his work tends to be a bit sentimental, although it's very pretty:

http://poesie.webnet.fr/lesgrandsclas...

Yves Bonnefoy, who is still alive, is another possibility.

Also, you might want to try the "poem at random" function at the Grands Classiques section of Poesie - Webnet site. Probably you'll find something that suits:

http://poesie.webnet.fr/lesgrandsclas...

[Rachel]

I don't think I can be of much help as the only french poet I'm familiar with is Jean de la Fontaine. Perhaps you can look for some of his work, no?

[RandomAnthony]

These may help, Emily...

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&am...

[Jonathan]

Did you want French poetry in translation or in the original, Emily? I think I may have misunderstood.

[RandomAnthony]

Oh, wait, maybe I misunderstood, Jonathan...

[Sally, la reina]

I misunderestimated this thread.

[Jim]

I misremembered this thread.

Sorry Emily, but I don't have a poetic bone in my body, so I can't help.

[Sally, la reina]

That looks mathy.

[Jim]

That word math looks complicated. My answer would have been Me+Poetry = MePoetry.

[Jonathan]

Muppetry?

[Emily]

I am presenting the audition in front of a French jury, so I suppose that a French poem would be best. Unless something is so damn good that I just have to say it in English. I just ..don't like translations.

Jonathan -I did consider Verlaine, but he's very ...um, school-ish (what's the word ?). Everyone has studied him at school at a low level, so a lot of people will choose him. And as much as I respect his work, I can't help but associate the classroom feeling with him and it's not something I would want to share.

However, that Poème au hasard is excellent ! Merci beaucoup :D