This poem is an updated and repurposed version of “Waiting for the Barbarians,” by C. P. Cavafy, translated by Edmund Keeley. Read it here.
TapTheForwardAssist, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. In most browser, clicking on the image will let you view it at a larger size.
Joseph Hutchison, Colorado Poet Laureate 2014-2019, has published 20 collections of poems and edited or co-edited three poetry anthologies. He currently directs two master’s-level programs for University College at the University of Denver: Professional Creative Writing and Arts & Culture Management. Joe lives with his wife, Melody Madonna, in the mountains southwest of Denver, Colorado, the city where he was born. 
Hello, Countess Kathleen! The only way to share it in this form is to copy and paste the image. I’d be happy to send a Word version if you like. ????
I second Wayne’s request and comment above–a way to share this with others?
Cavafy in a nutshell!
Nails it.
Tough, good poem. Thank you.
may i post this on facebook, joe? the clarity and the historical perspective are so valuable right now! thank you.
Excellent!