For The Shop

He wrapped them up carefully, neatly,
in expensive green silk.

Roses of rubies, lilies of pearl,
violets of amethyst: according to his taste, his will,

his vision of their beauty -- not as he saw them in nature
or studied them. He'll leave them in the safe,

examples of his bold, his skilful work.
Whenever a customer comes into the shop,

he brings out other things to sell -- first class ornaments:
bracelets, chains, necklaces, rings.

Constantine P. Cavafy

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