Exiles

Constantine Cavafy

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It goes on being Alexandria still. Just walk a bit
along the straight road that ends at the Hippodrome
and you'll see palaces and monuments that will amaze you.
Whatever war-damage it's suffered,
however much smaller it's become,
it's still a wonderful city.
And then, what with excursions and books
and various kinds of study, time does go by.
In the evenings we meet on the sea front,
the five of us (all, naturally, under fictitious names)
and some of the few other Greeks
still left in the city.
Sometimes we discuss church affairs
(the people here seem to lean toward Rome)
and sometimes literature.
The other day we read some lines by Nonnos:
what imagery, what rhythm, what diction and harmony!
All enthusiasm, how we admired the Panopolitan.
So the days go by, and our stay here
isn't unpleasant because, naturally,
it's not going to last forever.
We've had good news: if something doesn't come
of what's now afoot in Smyrna,
then in April our friends are sure to move from Epiros,
so one way or another, our plans are definitely working out,
and we'll easily overthrow Basil.
And when we do, at last our turn will come.

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Comments2
  • antonpowe278821

    The poem "Exiles" by Constantine Cavafy really hits you in the feels, huh? It's like pure emotion just pourin' out. Like he just laid out all his feelins' a and thoughts, and diden't even care if anyone was listenin'. Hits you right in the gut. Such a great talent and unique approach from Cavafy, the depth of it really blew me away.

    • yourgirltat

      Honestly, I had to read through this poem a few times, and I still didn't find it that engaging. The imagery was decent, but I felt that the overall story was hard to follow and didn't really captivate me that much. Maybe it's just because I'm not a huge history buff. I prefer poems that resonate more with my personal experiences and emotions.