Our efforts are those of the unfortunate; <br />our efforts are like those of the Trojans. <br />Somewhat we succeed; somewhat <br />we regain confidence; and we start <br />to have courage and high hopes. <br /> <br />But something always happens and stops us. <br />Achilles in the trench before us <br />emerges and with loud cries terrifies us.-- <br /> <br />Our efforts are like those of the Trojans. <br />We believe that with resolution and daring <br />we will alter the blows of destiny, <br />and we stand outside to do battle. <br /> <br />But when the great crisis comes, <br />our daring and our resolution vanish; <br />our soul is agitated, paralyzed; <br />and we run around the walls <br />seeking to save ourselves in flight. <br /> <br />Nevertheless, our fall is certain. Above, <br />on the walls, the mourning has already begun. <br />The memories and the sentiments of our days weep. <br />Bitterly Priam and Hecuba weep for us.<br /><br />Constantine P. Cavafy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/trojans/
