Thursday 19 May 2011

I count it happiness

One of the readings Granny had asked to be read at her funeral.

I count it happiness-

Ere we go so quickly where we came

To gaze ungrieving on these majesties.

The world wide sun, the stars, water and clouds

And Fire. Live Parmeno, a hundred years

Or a few months, these you will always see

And never, never any greater things.

Think of this lifetime as a festival

Or visit to a strange city, full of noise

Buying and selling, theiving, dicing stalls and joy parks.

If you leave it early friends,

Why, think you have gone to find a better Inn.

You have paid your fare and leave no enemies.


Menander b.342 BC Athens

4 comments:

  1. I love the idea of life as a festival or strange city - it's a reassuring thought.

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  2. I just love the very last line - beautiful. Hope it all went as well as can be expected for you all.

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  3. What a beautiful passage. I do love that last line, "leave no enemies". Certainly a wonderful goal to keep in mind.

    I hope you and your family are all well and hanging in there.

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  4. Tonia - Yes you're right and fits to most of what life throws at us.
    potterjotter - thank you it was a lovely service.
    hiphip - ooh yes a goal to keep in mind. Good thought.

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Ooh how lovely more stripes on the page...
Thank you for taking the time.