Category Archives: Poetry

This Happens

A little while ago we looked at a poetic suggestion by a Mr. Cavafy. Here, below, he tells a little tale of sudden attraction and subtle flirtation. It shows much of what we’ve discussed here before, and more.

I should maybe point out that C.P. Cavafy was a Greek poet, and his work either attracts very good translators or very naturally comes across well when brought to English. In any case, the loss of whatever meter and rhyme it began with doesn’t do any harm to a beautiful, insightful story.

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Some Poetical Advice

…which is also advice on poetry.

When They Come Alive

Try to keep them, poet,
those erotic visions of yours,
however few of them there are that can be stilled.
Put them, half-hidden, in your lines.
Try to hold them, poet,
when they come alive in your mind
at night or in the noonday brightness.

 

(Constantine P. Cavafy)