Ithaca

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,

pray that the road is long,

full of adventure, full of knowledge.

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,

the angry Poseidon - do not fear them:

You will never find such as these on your path

if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine

emotion touches your spirit and your body.

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,

the fiercePoseidon you will never encounter,

if you do not carry them within your soul,

if your heart does not set themup before you.

Pray that the road is long.

That the summer mornings are many, when,

with such pleasure, with such joy

you will enter ports seen for the first time;

stop at Phoenician markets,

and purhcase fine mechandise,

mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,

and sensual perfumes of all kinds

as many sensual perfumes of you can;

visit many Egyptian cities

to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.

To arive there is your ultimate goal.

But do not hurry the voyage at all.

It is better to let it last for many years;

and to anchor at the island when you are old.

rich with all you have gained on your way,

not expecting Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.

Without her you would never have set out on the road.

She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.

Wise as you have become, with so much experience,

you must have already understood what Ithacas mean.

Constantine Cavafy quoted by Coelho, Paulo in the " The Zahir"