He wrapped them carefully, neatly
in costly green silk.
Roses of ruby, lilies of pearl,
violets of amethyst. As he himself judged,
as he wanted them, they look beautiful to him; not as he saw
or studied them in nature. He will leave them in the safe,
a sample of his daring and skillful craft.
When a buyer enters the shop
he takes from the cases other wares and sells -- superb jewels --
bracelets, chains, necklaces, and rings.
Constantine P. Cavafy
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-the-shop/
