English Poetry. James Joyce. A Memory of the Players in a Mirror at Midnight. Джеймс Джойс.

James Joyce (Джеймс Джойс)

A Memory of the Players in a Mirror at Midnight

They mouth love’s language. Gnash
The thirteen teeth
Your lean jaws grin with. Lash
Your itch and quailing, nude greed of the flesh.
Love’s breath in you is stale, worded or sung,
As sour as cat’s breath,
Harsh of tongue.

This grey that stares
Lies not, stark skin and bone.
Leave greasy lips their kissing. None
Will choose her what you see to mouth upon.
Dire hunger holds his hour.
Pluck forth your heart, saltblood, a fruit of tears.
Pluck and devour!

James Joyce’s other poems:

1. Chamber Music. 26. Thou Leanest to the Shell of Night
2. Nightpiece
3. Chamber Music. 28. Gentle Lady, Do Not Sing
4. Chamber Music. 12. What Counsel Has the Hooded Moon
5. Lament for the Yeomen

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