Since Nine O'Clock by C.P. Cavafy

Since Nine O’Clock

by Constantine P. Cavafy

Half past twelve. Time has gone by quicklysince nine o'clock when I lit the lampand sat down here. I've been sitting without reading,without speaking. Completely alone in the house,whom could I talk to?

Since nine o'clock when I lit the lampthe shade of my young bodyhas come to haunt me, to remind me

of shut scented rooms,of past sensual pleasure; what daring pleasure.And it's also brought back to mestreets now unrecognizable,bustling nigh...