Eros himself is nearby
in Ovid's poems. When a woman
crosses paths with a man, a sense of
fait accompli prevails rather than
anticipation. They slip
into an embrace effortlessly,
both of them know this love-play.
The warmth of the early evening
is luscious in the garden. Sweet
flower perfumes take away what's
left of their breath. Their kisses
multiply in an adjacent room decorated
with erotic picture. Entangled
in each other's limbs, they pause
to appreciate the artistry
which perfectly mirrors their passion.
When they climax, they both inhabit
the realm of the gods briefly.
Immortal longings are satisfied
temporarily. Smiling, they speak
softly about their joy and gradually
drift off into a shallow sleep...
Such is the content of Ovid's
THE ART OF LOVE. It is addressed
to prosperous people, a way of being
for those who race through life,
grabbing their delights in the rush
of experience. There is another Love
which descends from sacred Desire, and
lags far behind Ovid's type. Desire
takes its own time to unfold in time.
It postpones the shudder through the flesh
to add delicacy and coax passion to swell.
Desire means walking together on air,
embracing under blazing sunlight, or
within the cool radiance of nightfall.
It is composed of promises of happiness
which seem as accessible as the next
day's dawn, and sleep is deep and restful.
I agree with Nosheen's comments, Indeed this is one of your best poem with philosophical touch.10+++
A wonderful philosophical piece. You have explored the two sides of love with depth n clarity. Both types have a beauty of their own and are necessary part of human experience. Two delightful pictures of love you have painted here. I like the latter more though but both have their own significance. A big 10.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
hey, daniel! here i'm limited in understanding because i haven't read, ovid- not that i can remember at least. i think of my own evolution in understanding what love is. first from the attractions and physical fulfillment of eros. then to a greater fulfillment when one trusts through long experience his/her partner. then to understanding that all forms of love have their origin in God- no body spirit division into bad and good. of course you know that to the greeks, there were four. glen