Thanks to Cathy J. for sharing this poem by Constantine P Cavafy to wish me on my way to Scotland–two weeks from today.  See links below to learn more about poem, poet, etc…..  And yes, Frances, it was read by Maurice Templesman at Jacqueline Kennedy’s funeral.  It reminds me of The Alchemist, an allegorical novel by Paulo Coelho first published in 1988.

(Thanks to Meghan for the Alchemist referral!)
(NOTE to followers: I’m a believer in making connections so I’ve added direct links to Amazon when I reference things they might have in which you might be interested. Let me know if you like this feature or not!)

Ithaca

When you set out for Ithaka 
ask that your way be long, 
full of adventure, full of instruction. 
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops, 
angry Poseidon – do not fear them: 
such as these you will never find 
as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare 
emotion touch your spirit and your body. 
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops, 
angry Poseidon – you will not meet them 
unless you carry them in your soul, 
unless your soul raise them up before you. 

Ask that your way be long. 
At many a Summer dawn to enter 
with what gratitude, what joy - 
ports seen for the first time; 
to stop at Phoenician trading centres, 
and to buy good merchandise, 
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony, 
and sensuous perfumes of every kind, 
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can; 
to visit many Egyptian cities, 
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned. 

Have Ithaka always in your mind. 
Your arrival there is what you are destined for. 
But don’t in the least hurry the journey. 
Better it last for years, 
so that when you reach the island you are old, 
rich with all you have gained on the way, 
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth. 
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey. 
Without her you would not have set out. 
She hasn’t anything else to give you. 

And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn’t deceived you. 
So wise you have become, of such experience, 
that already you’ll have understood what these Ithakas mean.

Constantine P Cavafy

http://www.poemhunter.com/

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Tags: inspiration, journey, poetry, travel

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