In its front hall, the grand and stately mansion
Held a huge mirror, and very, very old,
Purchased some eighty years ago, antique,
If not a hundred, and had graced that place
Through many generations, it be told,
As in its deep reflection come to seek
The confirmation of a proper face
Or vestment not unkempt, as under scansion
A verse be scrutinized. Upon one day
There came a handsome boy, assistant to
The tailor with a package to deliver
As was a weekend athlete, and he view
Himself therein, of package that was giver
Now waiting his receipt, cost to defray.
Some several minutes merely, so he looked
Upon himself, adjusted of his clothing
Before that mirror, a clean reflecting glass,
And then came the receipt, and he must go.
But O, that mirror, that of much lust and loathing
Had been the witness, as the years must pass--
So many faces as themselves do show,
Figures and forms, a neck as craned or crooked--
That ancient mirror, so wise with many years
Experience, and wizened, now was joy,
All joy for having but briefly embraced
Such perfect beauty, young and handsome boy
For a few minutes—now within that chaste
Hallway grown turbid, turbulent with tears.
After Cavafy