Constantine P. Cavafy, "Half an Hour"

[the_grynne]

HALF AN HOUR

I never possessed you, nor will I
ever, I believe. A few words, a drawing near,
as in the bar the other day, and nothing more.
I can't say it's not a pity. But we who belong to the art
create with the mind's intensity
a sensuality that seems almost physical -
only for a short time, of course.
So in the bar the other day - helped a lot
by compassionate alcoholism -
I had a perfect erotic half an hour.
And I believe you understood,
and stayed a little longer on purpose.
It was very necessary. Because
with all the imagining and magic alcohol,
I needed to look at your lips;
I needed your body close by.

CONSTANTINE P. CAVAFY

Not sure whose translation this is. I have it in my notebook as Rae Dalven's but I don't think that's correct.