The Flowers of Evil Author:Charles P. Baudelaire The poems deal with themes relating to decadence and eroticism. Charles Baudelaire opens The Flowers of Evil with a poem entitled "Benediction," and it's special stuff -- but of course it is, we're talking about a poem by Charles Baudelaire, for god's sake. When by the changeless Power of a Supreme Decree The poet issues forth upon this sorry sp... more »here, His mother, horrified, and full of blasphemy, Uplifts her voice to God, who takes compassion on her. "Ah, why did I not bear a serpent's nest entire, Instead of bringing forth this hideous Child of Doom! Oh cursèd be that transient night of vain desire When I conceived my expiation in my womb!"« less