05 May The island of feelings (MANOS HATZIDAKIS)
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived.
There, among all the others, lived Happiness, Sorrow, Knowledge, Love…
One day they learned that their island would sink
So they all mended their boats and began to leave.
Love was the only one who stayed behind.
She wanted to hold on until the last moment.
When the island began to sink,
Love began to ask for help.
She saw Wealth passing by with a shiny yacht.
Love asked him:
“Wealth, can you take me with you?”
“No, I cannot,” answered Wealth.
“I have silver and gold on my boat and there is no room for you.”
Then Love decided to ask for help from Arrogance
Who also passed before her in a very beautiful boat…
“Please, help me,” asked Love.
“I can’t help you, Love…
You are soaking wet and you will ruin my beautiful boat,”
answered Arrogance.
Sorrow was a little farther off and so Love decided to ask her for help.
“Sorrow, let me come with you…”
“Oh Love, I am so sad that I want to stay by myself,”
said Sorrow.
Happiness passed in front of Love,
But she also paid no attention to her.
She was so happy that she didn’t even hear love asking for help.
Suddenly a voice was heard:
“Love, come over here! I will take you with me!”
It was a very old gentleman whom Love did not recognize,
But she was full of such gratitude that she forgot to ask his name.
When they reached land the gentleman left, and went on his way.
Love, knowing how much she owed to the gentleman who had helped her,
Asked Knowledge:
“Knowledge, who helped me?”
“Time,” answered Knowledge.
“Time?” asked Love. “Why did Time help me?”
Then Knowledge smiled and with deep wisdom replied:
“Only Time can understand the great meaning, the importance of Love…”
Manos Hatzidakis
Translation: Eva Johanos
