He wrapped them carefully, neatly
in costly green silk.

Roses of ruby, lilies of pearl,
violets of amethyst. As he himself judged,

as he wanted them, they look beautiful to him; not as he saw
or studied them in nature. He will leave them in the safe,

a sample of his daring and skillful craft.
When a buyer enters the shop

he takes from the cases other wares and sells -- superb jewels --
bracelets, chains, necklaces, and rings.

Added: Feb 20 2003 | Viewed: 744 times | Comments (0)

Poet: Constantine P. Cavafy
Poem: Of The Shop

Year: Published/Written in 1913
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