Once gods walked..

Once gods walked among humans, 

The splendid Muses and youthful Apollo 

Inspired and healed us, just like you. 

And you are to me as if one of the Holy Ones 

Had sent me forth into life, and the image 

Of my beloved goes with me, 

And wherever I stay and whatever I learn, 

I learned and gained it from her, 

With a love that lasts until death.

Then let us live, you with whom I suffer 

And inwardly strive towards better times 

In faith and loyalty.For we are the ones. 

And if people should remember us both 

In years to come, when Spirit again prevails, 

They'd say that these lonely ones lovingly 

Created a secret world, known to the gods alone. 

The earth will take back those concerned 

With impermanent things: others climb higher 

To ethereal Light who've been faithful 

To the love inside themselves, and to the spirit 

Of the gods.Thus they master Fate 

In patience, hope and quietness.

- Friedrich Hölderlin