Cavafy, kah VAH fee,Constantine (1863-1933), was an Egyptian-born Greek poet who developed a distinctive personal style and became a leading figure in modern Greek literature. He wrote in a strange mixture of formal Greek, called katharevousa, and everyday, or demotic, Greek. His poetry is noted for its many touches of self-mockery, gentle irony, and reluctance to allow its author to figure too prominently. Cavafy's poetry deals with a number of themes. Much of his work draws for its subject matter on Greek history from the time of Alexander the Great to the coming of the Turks, often treating it in a lyrical manner. Other work relates to his personal experiences of homosexual relationships and his ridicule of patriotism and traditional Christian values.