#K.P. Kavafis

[jimmyarcoiris]

Ιθάκη

As you set out for Ithaca Hope that your journey is a long one, Full of adventure full of discovery. Laestrygonians and Cyclops Angry Poseidon -- do not be afraid of them: You'll never find things like that on your way As long as you keep your thoughts raised high As long as a rare sensation touches your spirit and your body. Laestrygonians and Cyclops wild Poseidon -- you won't encounter them Unless you bring them along inside your soul Unless your soul sets them up in front of you. Hope that your journey is a long one, May there be many summer morning When with what pleasure what joy You come into harbours seen for the first time. May you stop at Phoenician trading stations To buy fine things, mother- of pearl- and coral, amber and ebony. Sensual perfume of every kind As many sensual perfumes as you can. And may you visit many Egyptian cities To learn and learn again from those who know. Keep Ithaca always in your mind Arriving there is what you are destined for. But do not hurry the journey at all Better if it lasts for years So that you are old by the time you reach the island Wealthy with all you have gained on the way Not expecting Ithaca to make you rich. Ithaca gave you the marvellous journey Without her you would not have set out She has nothing left to give you now. And if you find her poor Ithaca won't have fooled you. Wise as you will have become So full of experience You will have understood by then What these Ithacas mean.

– Konstantinos Kavafis

[thethreearrows]

September 1903

Laat ik mezelf tenminste nu bedriegen met illusies, dan merk ik de leegte van mijn leven niet.

Zo vele keren ben ik zo dichtbij geweest. En hoe verlamd, hoe schuchter was ik, waarom hield ik mijn lippen op elkaar terwijl mijn lege leven in mij weende en mijn begeerte zwarte kleren droeg.

Zo vele keren zo dichtbij te zijn geweest, bij de ogen, bij de zinnelijke lippen, bij het gedroomde, geliefde lichaam. Zo vele keren zo dichtbij te zijn geweest. 

- K.P. Kavafis  (vertaald uit het Grieks)