HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE

What does the perfume describe from who goes beside you to the forest in the darkest night? In Victor Hugo's poem, "What the knights thought in the forest," the narrator says, "Beside me, Hermann seemed like a shadow." We all have shadows, even at night in the dark forest. You can call yourself by another name: your invisible friend. Your conscience, your spirit, and perhaps even your complementary self. Your shadow can have a name, like Hermann. Or your shadow can be your perfume. That is your companion. You can argue with your companion, you can challenge your companion, you can test the limits of your own attitudes. You can discuss the subtle points of existence. But you can never lose this companion. This is your alternate self. When you move through life and contemplate its meaning, you ask questions that cannot be answered. When doubts surround you, look at your shadow. Maybe you will get a response. Maybe not. But at least you will have an interesting conversation. The night was pitch black and the forest very dark. Beside me, Hermann seemed like a shadow. Our horses were galloping. God’s guards! The clouds in the sky looked like marble. The stars flew through the branches of the trees like a flock of fiery birds. I am full of regret. Hermann’s deep spirit, broken by suffering, is hopeless. I am full of regret. Oh my loved ones, sleep! Yet, during my journey through the green solitude, Hermann says to me: "I think of half-open graves." And I tell him: "I think of closed graves." He looks ahead: I go back, our horses run through the clearing; the wind from afar brings us the sound of the angelic bell; he says: "I think of those afflicted by existence, of the present, of the living." I tell him: "I, think of those who are no longer present!" The fountains sing. What do the springs say? The oak groans. What do the oak trees groan? The shrubs whisper like old friends. Hermann says to me: "The living never sleep. At this moment, some eyes cry, and other eyes are awake." And I say to him: "Alas! Other eyes are sleeping!" Then Hermann continues: "Unfortunately, this is life. The dead no longer suffer. They are happy! I envy their graves where grass grows and where trees shed their leaves. Because the night gently caresses them with a quiet fire; because the sky radiates peace over their souls all together in all the graves at the same time!" And I tell him: Be silent! Respect the black mystery! The dead lie on the ground beneath our feet. The dead, these are the hearts I loved once, this is your expired angel! This is your father and mother! Do not scare them with bitter sarcasm. As in a dream, they hear our voices. Perfume opening notes: black pepper, galbanum, black currant Heart: incense, jasmine, absolute rose Base: vetiver, patchouli, ambroxan Olfactory notes: Quentin Bisch Country: France