Cavafy Poem 43: Across the Distance

43. ACROSS THE DISTANCE


That magical memory
so distant now
half faded in the lapse
of many years.

The whisper of a ghost
the echoed rustling of gaunt leaves
so long ago.

The colour of his skin was just like jasmine
flowering in the night
and it was August -- was it August?

I still recall his eyes
those brilliant eyes
their blazing sapphire light
that spans the distance.

Yes I still remember his eyes
those brilliant eyes
a crystalline blue.

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• across
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• distance
• greek
• poetry
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• charles
• bryant
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[twinnumber3]

What a wonderful introduction to your beautiful work! Thank you so much.

[cavafyinenglish]

Thanks David, and glad you enjoyed it :) Chas

[glenfitch]

just lovely

makes me melt

your voice, the words, that face...

[cavafyinenglish]

thanx glen, from one poet to another :)

[superdooperstupor]

Dear friend Charles, yours is a masterful and indelible interpretation of a sappheirous love. The adroit tenderness and aching yearning are imbued with majesty, poignancy, and lyricism. Your talent and grace are remarkable.

Kestal

[cavafyinenglish]

Many thanks & love to Kestal Gillion and Dorian

[ryordavideo]

Nice,I like

[Maymona13]

I will Dance to this song on my wedding.

NAW! JK but this song is still hot.

[lochness11]

I'm speechless! Many thanks.

[cavafyinenglish]

You're right Bud, the internet has allowed us to rediscover a lost art. Reading poetry by itself is not enough - it cries out to be recited or sung. Thank you.

[budnyc2008]

I read your poetry first then listen to your rendition of it. It is the cadence of your voice that nuances, hidden meanings with pleasant surprises come out and be discovered. Reading a poem is not enough, one must listen to it being read aloud or sang. I am deeply honored to be privy to your beautiful soul.