La Chasse spirituelle

"La Chasse spirituelle" (The Spiritual Hunt) is a work by the French Symbolist poet Arthur Rimbaud, written around 1872. It is considered one of his "Last Verses" and was composed during a tumultuous period in his life and his intense relationship with fellow poet Paul Verlaine. The manuscript for this piece is unfortunately lost.1

Rimbaud's literary output, including "La Chasse spirituelle," significantly influenced modern poetry. He is known for his innovative use of language and his exploration of visionary experiences, often achieved through intense sensory exploration or "derangement of all the senses". His collection A Season in Hell, published in 1873, is seen by some as his farewell to poetry, as he largely ceased writing afterward.12