CONSTANTINE CAVAFIS

The first step...

To Theocritus came complaining
one day young poet named Eymenis
"Two years've been away that I write
and I all I've managed was a romance.
This is the only work of me complete.
Woe oh Woe, so high it is I see
too high the Poetry's staircase;
and from this step the first down here I am
I'll never climb to the top oh me the poor."
Theocritus then said; "These words
inadequate and imprecations are.
So if you step upon the first the step you must
be proud and happy.
The place you've reached is not so narrow;
and this you've done so great the glory.
And even this to step upon the first the step
so far away from common people stands.
Onto this step to step upon
you must in rightful way and trully be
a citizen to ideals city.
Too hard it is to be inside that city
and rear it is to be accepted.
In market you can find legislators
that can't be fooled by any fortune hunters.
The place you've reached is not so narrow;
and this you've done so great the glory."

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