(no subject)
i never gave a fuck about poetry. but this guy cavafy is just absolutely brilliant. he was a greek living in egypt who was in love with a man, but societal constraints never let him have the one he loved. he's filled with such longing oh man.. he's just so good.
I never had you nor, I suppose,
will I ever have you. A few words, an approach,
as in the bar yesterday -nothing more.
It's sad, I admit. But we who serve Art,
sometimes with the mind's intensity
can create pleasure that seems almost physical-
but of course only for a short time.
That's how in the bar yesterday-
mercifully helped by alcohol-
I had half an hour that was totally erotic.
And I think you understood this
and stayed slightly longer on purpose.
That too was very necessary.
Because with all the imagination,
all the magic alcohol,needed your body near me.
I needed to see your lips as well
I never had you nor, I suppose,
will I ever have you. A few words, an approach,
as in the bar yesterday -nothing more.
It's sad, I admit. But we who serve Art,
sometimes with the mind's intensity
can create pleasure that seems almost physical-
but of course only for a short time.
That's how in the bar yesterday-
mercifully helped by alcohol-
I had half an hour that was totally erotic.
And I think you understood this
and stayed slightly longer on purpose.
That too was very necessary.
Because with all the imagination,
all the magic alcohol,needed your body near me.
I needed to see your lips as well