Friday, May 29, 2026

Theophilos Palaeologos

Theophilos Palaeologos
C.P. Cavafy 
translated by Rae Dalven.

This is the last year.  He is the last
of the Greek emperors.  And alas
how grievously they speak when they are near him.
In his despair, in his pain
Kyr Theophilos Palaeologos
says, “I’d rather die than live.”

Ah, Kyr Theophilos Palaeologos
how much longing of our people and how much exhaustion
(how much weariness from injustices and persecution)
your five tragic words contained.


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