poetry

.gitignore

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 /nb-configuration.xml
 /.project
 /.classpath
-/.settings/
+/.settings/
+/.gradle/

ITHAKA.md

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+    When you start on the way to Ithaca,
+    wish that the way be long,
+    full of adventure, full of knowledge.
+    The Laestrygones and the Cyclopes
+    and angry Poseidon, do not fear:
+    such, on your way, you shall never meet
+    if your thoughts are lofty, if a noble
+    emotion touch your mind, your body.
+    The Laestrygones and the Cyclopes
+    and angry Poseidon you shall not meet
+    if you carry them not in your soul,
+    if your soul sets them not up before you.
+
+    Wish that the way be long,
+    that on many summer mornings,
+    with great pleasure, great delight,
+    you enter harbours for the first time seen;
+    that you stop at Phoenician marts,
+    and procure the goodly merchandise,
+    mother-of-pearl and corals, amber and ebony,
+    and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
+    plenty of sensual perfumes especially;
+    to wend your way to many Egyptian cities,
+    to learn and yet to learn from the wise.
+
+    Ever keep Ithaca in your mind,
+    your return thither is your goal.
+    But do not hasten at all your voyage,
+    better that it last for many years;
+    And full of years at length you anchor at your isle
+    rich with all that you gained on the way;
+    do not expect Ithaca to give you riches.
+
+    Ithaca gave you your fair voyage.
+    Without her you would not have ventured on the way.
+    But she has no more to give you.
+
+    And if you find Ithaca a poor place,
+         she has not mocked you.
+    You have become so wise, so full of experience
+    that you should understand already what
+         these Ithacas mean.
+
+    -- Konstantin Cavafy, 1911
+
+    (Translated by George Valassopoulo. The Criterion 2/8, July 1924)