Ithaca

This is an abridged version of a great poem I came across in the novel Journey to Ithaca by Indian-born author Anita Desai. Too early for me to recommend the book to you, but the poem below is certainly worth reading - playing on the theme of "travelling vs arriving". Wait patiently for the last few lines. Enjoy.....

Constantine P. Cavafy
Ithaca (1911)
When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,

pray that the road is long,

full of adventure, full of knowledge.

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 purchase fine merchandise,

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

and sensual perfumes of all kinds,

as many sensual perfumes as you can;

visit many Egyptian 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 have never 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 Ithacas mean.