An old man in a café, Crete, Greece. Click for credits
“I saw an old man kneeling on the stones. He was leaning over a channel, and watching the water run, his face bathed in inexpressible ecstasy. It seemed as though his nose, mouth, and cheeks had vanished; nothing remained but the two eyes which followed the water as it flowed between the rocks. I went up to him.
‘What do you see there, old man ?’ I asked him.
And he, without lifting his head or removing his eyes from the water, replied:
‘My life, my life which is running out…’ ”
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[From Report to Greco by Nikos Kazantzakis (translation by P.A. Bien)]
I loved “inexpressible ecstasy!” such a stimulating phrase. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Ryan and welcome here. Those two words in fact reveal the deep spirituality of this passage, not at all sad or pessimistic in my view.
Very nice writing. I don’t have all of my work up yet but I whipped up a rather nice piece last night. I am currently under going the early construction phases for my first book.
I read your poem on television. Well written (and true). I’m sure you’ll love blogging – this notepad, you call it – more and more. Good luck Ryan!
Thanks!
May we have more of Kazantzakis? I must get this translation.
I hope you are keeping well, MoR?
I am well, don’t worry dear Geraldine. I’ll post more of Kazantzakis in your honour.
I’m glad to hear this. Grazie.
xhsdut yee
I wish you knew what it means, but I can’t tell ya
Not so fast, Roma. This might be my own cipher now.
YOU don’t know what it means.
Nice twist, and tough breed, you Americans. Should a Roman surrender? Well, to a beautiful woman, yes
Nice image of life and our status as spectators of our own show.
Paul C.
I’ll be there Paul. I have a steak waiting.
Our life as our own show – intriguing concept. And that the water may flow as exuberant (and as long) as possible, Paulus amicus.
Lovely! I shall acquaint myself with the rest of the book.
I think it is out of print. Maybe Amazon has got a few second hand copies. Oh I am sure you’d love it Rosaria.
Would we could just watch life flow by. For ever and ever.
Me too, and surrounded by many many good friends, such as you.