House With A Garden ~ Constantine P Cavafy


house with a garden

House With A Garden

I’d like to have a country house
with a very large garden–not so much
for the flowers, for the trees, and the greenery
(they too must certainly be present; they’re exceedingly lovely)
but so that I can have animals. Ah, to have animals!
At the least, seven cats–two of them jet black,
and two all white as snow, for the contrast.
An estimable parrot so I can listen to him
saying things with emphasis and conviction.
As for dogs, I believe three would be enough for me.
I’d also want two horses (little horses are good).
And without fail three, four of those distinguished,
those agreeable animals the donkeys,
to sit there idly, their heads one proud pleasure.

Constantine Cavafy

house with a garden