I have recently read a book with Swedish title "Köttets poesi" containing erotic poetry from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

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Most of the texts are either hard to understand or perhaps not so exciting for the contemporary audience. I have picked out a poem for you, apparently published in 1839. Author unknown I guess. I have made an attempt to translate it for you, but some parts I couldn't understand and much less translate. Some parts I also made a guess and some parts I couldn't understand but translated directly anyway (maybe someone else will understand).

I think the poem has a teasing symbolism of our innate male desire for the opposite sex that transcends the ages (although I am sure several of you readers could make an equally good attempt using the same "book" symbolism) . I think the poem primarily catered to the male reader, but I'd like to know from both men and women if and how you appreciate it.

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The book of life

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It is often said that "If you want to become wise,

you must read the book of life."

Then what is that book? Listen my friend,

as I will try to describe it.

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It is published in millions of copies,

and it is republished every day.

It only has two purple pages

The slit is the pleasure of man.

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It is appreciated in all countries

and is eagerly read, day and night.

A translation is not necessary,

a different kind of appreciation is needed.

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Thousands of variantions should exist,

but the main content is always the same.

[intranslatable]

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This book is sweet, clear, and light,

and is reread over and over again.

It can easily be understood without a bright head,

but a head is required. [Not sure if there is symbolism here that I don't get]

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[intranslatable]

Its ink is not black as well known,

and its style is pretty hot.

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Quite a few hold a copy of their own,

those who don't, they borrow, poor men.

Its cover may be German, English or Danish,

its contents is French though.

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I have tried as good as I can,

to make it clear to you.

But if you are still confused,

I can only say, "Go read the book!"