Poem 5, by Gaius Valerius Catullus, is one of my favorites.  It’s probably his most famous and it has been translated a countless number of times through the centuries.  I’ve read many poets’ versions and I think Richard Crashaw’s is the best (“Out of Catullus”).  Once upon a time (after an inspirational night with Tuya) I attempted a hungover/sleepless take on Poem 5 also. 

Sweet Tuya, let us leave this bar,
my apartment isn’t far.
Worry not about your friend’s
disapproving glare that tends
to reveal her jealous heart -
she’s been a bitch from the start.
Her refusal to accept the truth:
these nights are the twilight of our youth.
Life ends in a cosmic blink,
that is why tonight I think,
we should lay naked in my bed,
since solitude is for the dead.
Let’s begin with just one kiss,
on your flushed cheek, if you wish.
But, of course, we can’t stop here,
five more kisses for your ear.
Then the collar bone and the neck,
dozens more spots I need to peck!
Heavens, I almost forgot your lips,
both on your face and between your hips.
Hundreds for the places left unsung,
and to think I’ve yet to use my tongue!
By night’s end our tired kisses will measure
hundreds of thousands of moments of pleasure.
Then the birds will start to sing
their love song about our fling
and perhaps they’ll attempt to count
all the kisses we did amount.
A perfect night no one can deprave,
I’ll never forget the love you gave.