Constantine P. Cavafy "Ithaca" Poem animation

Heres a virtual movie of Constantine P. Cavafy, also known as Konstantin or Konstantinos Petrou Kavafis, or Kavaphes the Celebrated Greek poet reading his best known poem "Ithaca".

Cavafy wrote Ithaca, inspired by the Homeric return journey of Odysseus to his home island, as depicted in the Odyssey. The poem's theme is that enjoyment of the journey of life, and the increasing maturity of the soul as that journey continues, are all the traveler can ask.

Almost all of Konstantinos Kavafis' work was in Greek; yet, his poetry remained unrecognized in Greece until after the publication of his first anthology in 1935. He is known for his prosaic use of metaphors, his brilliant use of historical imagery, and his aesthetic perfectionism. These attributes, amongst others, have assured him an enduring place in the literary pantheon of the Western World.

Constantine P. Cavafy (April 29, 1863 -- April 29, 1933) was a renowned Greek poet who lived in Alexandria and worked as a journalist and civil servant. In his poetry he examined critically some aspects of Christianity, patriotism, and homosexuality, though he was not always comfortable with his role as a nonconformist. He published 154 poems; dozens more remained incomplete or in sketch form. His most important poetry was written after his fortieth birthday. Cavafis is considered as possibly the greatest modern Greek poet



Kind Regards

Jim Clark
All rights reserved on this video recording copyright Jim Clark 2011

Ithaca".........

When you set sail for Ithaca,
wish for the road to be long,
full of adventures, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
an angry Poseidon -- do not fear.
You will never find such on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, and your spirit
and body are touched by a fine emotion.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
a savage Poseidon you will not encounter,
if you do not carry them within your spirit,
if your spirit does not place them before you.
Wish for the road to be long.
Many the summer mornings to be which with
pleasure, with joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase the fine goods,
nacre and coral, amber and ebony,
and exquisite perfumes of all sorts,
the most delicate fragances you can find,
to many Egyptian cities you must go,
to learn and learn from the cultivated.
Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your final destination.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better for it to last many years,
and when old to rest in the island,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaca to offer you wealth.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful journey.
Without her you would not have set out on the road.
Nothing more has she got to give you.
And if you find her threadbare, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

Category:

Education

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[GATJR3]

did the speaker add a bunch of words or is this a translation and the words just vary according to translation?

[poetryreincarnations]

@GATJR3 Yes translations between languages will always vary a poem like this has numerous translated versions.

[infoolflux]

A friend of mine "sugerinhisblood" featured this poem on his channel, it and many of the others here are Amazing, Thank you

[brychar66]

That's a great reading Jim, but it's not Cavafy reading it. But a great voice whoever it is - someone English of course! Also a fine translation.