Richard Fyjis-Walker

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.

When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon – do not fear them:
such as these you will never find
as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare
emotion touch your spirit and your body.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon – you will not meet them
unless you carry them in your soul,
unless your soul raise them up before you.

Ask that your way be long.
At many a Summer dawn to enter
with what gratitude, what joy –
ports seen for the first time;
to stop at Phoenician trading centres,
and to buy good merchandise,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensuous perfumes of every kind,
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;
to visit many Egyptian cities,
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.

Have Ithaka always in your mind.
Your arrival there is what you are destined for.
But don’t in the least hurry the journey.
Better it last for years,
so that when you reach the island you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She hasn’t anything else to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn’t deceived you.
So wise you have become, of such experience,
that already you’ll have understood what these Ithakas mean.

As I Fly
or
Ride the Desert
if
I see Outside
A Bird
Stubby winged
Red Backed – Brown Breasted
Bright Eyed – yellow Ringed
Long Beak – Black Legged
it is your Soul
I want to finger touch you
Hug you All
I cannot
But perhaps
Your soul will see my soul
Measureless
Ceaseless
Bird
Flying beside me
Till I return
Dad
For me you did not die,
Just like our two birds we’ll fly
You and me
Far away over the sea,
And it is not that long,
Till we shall share our song.

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room;
Why cry for a soul set free?
A body asleep. A mind at peace.
I live; alive in your memory.
Miss me a little – but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss my life but live your own.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,
A step on the road to home.
Would that I were with you, could wait till you start.
If you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me – but live to the full.