Interval Of Joy Poem by Giorgos Seferis

Interval Of Joy

Rating: 4.3


We were happy all that morning
Ο God how happy.
First the stones the leaves and the flowers shone
and then the sun
a huge sun all thorns but so very high in the heavens.
Α Nymph was gathering our cares and hanging them on the trees
a forest of Judas trees.
Cupids and satyrs were singing and playing
and rosy limbs could be glimpsed amid black laurel
the flesh of young children.
We were happy all that morning;
the abyss was a closed well
ο n which the tender foot of a young faun stamped
do γ ο υ remember its laughter: how happy we were!
And then clouds rain and the damp earth;
you stopped laughing when you reclined in the hut,
and opened your large eyes and gazed
on the archangel wielding a fiery sword

'Ι cannot explain it, ' you said, 'Ι cannot explain it, '
Ι find people impossible to understand
however much they may play with colors
they are all black.


GEORGE SEFERIS. Translated by Kimon Friar.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Edward Kofi Louis 30 March 2018

They are all black! Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

2 1 Reply
Chinedu Dike 05 November 2019

An interesting descriptive composition written with clarity of thought and mind.

0 0 Reply
A K Chaturvedi, India 26 April 2019

The poem shows the poet's interest in natural beauty leading to joy. His perception of human nature underlines his pessimistic approach to human existence.

0 0 Reply
Susan Williams 30 March 2018

Intriguing. He knew how to draw the reader in and then challenge the heck out of him. Definitely going to read more by him.

0 0 Reply
Kumarmani Mahakul 30 March 2018

I cannot explain it, ' you said, 'Ι cannot explain it, ' Ι find people impossible to understand however much they may play with colors they are all black.........stunning expressions with nice theme. Beautiful poem shared.

1 0 Reply
Subhas Chandra Chakra 30 March 2018

Ι find people impossible to understand however much they may play with colors they are all black. Lovely poem shared.

1 0 Reply
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