He Came to Read

Constantine Cavafy

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He came to read. Two or three books
are open; historians and poets.
But he only read for ten minutes,
and gave them up. He is dozing
on the sofa. He is fully devoted to books
but he is twenty-three years old, and he's very handsome;
and this afternoon love passed
through his ideal flesh, his lips.
Through his flesh which is full of beauty
the heat of love passed;
without any silly shame for the form of the enjoyment.....

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Comments1
  • franklynbale

    It's interesting how this poem captures the struggle between the desire for intellectual growth and being young and in love. So relatable!