Stages

To Charlotte, Please be brave..

STAGES

As every flower fades and as all youth Departs, so life at every stage
So every virtue, so our grasp of truth,
Blooms in its day and may not last forever,
Since life may summon us at every age
Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavour,
Be ready bravely and without remorse
To find new light that old ties cannot give.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force
For guarding us and helping us to live.
Serenely let us move to distant places
And let no sentiments of home detain us.
The cosmic spirit seeks not to restrain us
But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces
If we accept a home of our own making,
Familiar habit makes for indolence.
We must prepare for parting and leave taking
Or else remain the slaves of permanence.
Even the hour of our death may send Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces
And life may summon us to newer races
So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.

- HERMANN HESSE

YaYa