John Donne,some guy called Will Shakespeare and numerous other poets do exactly the same thing as that pretentious old poof Cavafy ie. draw on their wide reading and nourishing reflection to present us with rich and wise, comforting and helpful observations on basic human situations.
If I were you Steph I'd delete your narrow ignorant and homophobic little review before anyone else on Goodreads discovers what a dill you really are.

STeph, some of us are not cocktail party girls (and no, not gays either) and get many of the allusions Cavafy does (and many of their poems can be understood without them, either) Some of his "obscure allusions" are to Marc Anthony, Cleopatra, Nero, and Greek philosophers. IF you find that "obscure" maybe the fault is in your culture, not in Cavafy. Just sayin'

Rozonda wrote: "STeph, some of us are not cocktail party girls (and no, not gays either) and get many of the allusions Cavafy does (and many of their poems can be understood without them, either) Some of his "obs..."

I'd forgotten all about writing this defence of dear old Cavafy.
Glad you got on board too, Rozonda.
I first met Cavafy when I was teaching English in Athens back in 1978. One of my students gave me a copy and I was swept away by his simplicity of expression when writing about love and lust and attraction. There was nothing cheap, sordid or romantic, just this direct telling that said it ALL.
Also love the history ones; again the same totally credible realism. A wonderful poet.
Helped me to find my own voice when I came to writing.
You must be a very nice non-cocktail party girl.With a name like Rozonda you have your own qualities!!!
Cheers from Wayne, Sydney, Australia.

WEll, at 39 not much of a girl anymore, and Rozonda is not my real name, but thanks anyway!! Cavafy was a turning point for many of us in reading and in viewing life. Greetings :)

At 64 (Is THIS really happening to ME!!???),
you are a girl indeed.
A wise girl!!!!
Likewise, greetings!!