Journey To Ithaca
Here's a lil something I stumbled onto whilst reading The Zahir, and man.. that's another soul searching book.On the back cover of my book, it says:
"It begins with a glimpse or a passing thought. It ends in obsession."
I know what my Zahir is. In Paulo Coelho's case, his zahir is his long lost wife, who left him without a word. My Zahir is somewhat like that, not as lucky though.
That someone you constantly think about from the past, was once love, it's not anymore. It's an obsession you cant live without. And in your little 'dream world', far away from reality, you live with the presence of this Zahir.
Now, here, a poem from the book, thought of sharing with you guys:
Ithaca
When you set out 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 Lestregonians and the Cyclops,
The fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
If you do not carry them within your soul,
If your heart does not set them up 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 the Phonecian markets,
And purchase fine merchandise,
Mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
And sensual perfumes of all kind,
As many sensual perfumes as you can,
Visit many cities,
To learn and learn from scholars.
Always keep Ithaca in your mind,
To arrive 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 the way,
Not expecting that 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 already have understood what Ithaca mean.
Written by Constantine Cavafy (1863 - 1933)
Translated by Rae Dalven
It is not love, it is an obsession.
Think about it.
posted by WaBBa Fe$H @ 6:02 AM
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