From the Margins

Cavafy.

When suddenly at the midnight hour
you hear the invisible troupe passing by
with sublime music, with voices-
don't futilely mourn your luck giving out, your world
collapsing, the designs of your life
that have all proved to be an illusion.

As if long prepared, as if full of courage,
say good-bye to her, the Alexandria who is leaving.
Above all don't fool yourself, don't say it was
a dream, how your eyes tricked you.

Don't stoop to such empty hopes
As if long prepared, as if full of courage
as is right for you who is worthy of such a city,
go stand tall by the window
and listen with feeling, but not
with the pleas and whining of a coward,
and hear the voices-your last pleasure-
the exquisite instruments of that secret troupe,
and say good-bye to her, the Alexandria you are losing.

('The God abandons Antony'..for those far away from home)
-------------------------------------

As you set out on the journey to Ithaka,
wish that the way may be long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge
Don't be afraid