I've had just enough time to... look for Eden somewhere between Ithaka and home
Taken of a Himalayan valley from the edge of a mountain
Eden is
between Ithaka and home
But they
are in different directions!
Can you
take your heart to Ithaka
And not
think of home?
Can you
stay in the comfort of your home
And not
yearn for Ithaka?
I packed
my bags and sleep under the stars
Heading
for Ithaka
When the
journey gets too arduous
And my
steps too weary
And home
came in my sleep
I know
it is time to return
Eden is
not a place in some mystical land
Eden is
between home and Ithaka
_______
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
