Once gods walked among humans, <br />The splendid Muses and youthful Apollo <br />Inspired and healed us, just like you. <br />And you are to me as if one of the Holy Ones <br />Had sent me forth into life, and the image <br />Of my beloved goes with me, <br />And wherever I stay and whatever I learn, <br />I learned and gained it from her, <br />With a love that lasts until death. <br /> <br />Then let us live, you with whom I suffer <br />And inwardly strive towards better times <br />In faith and loyalty. For we are the ones. <br />And if people should remember us both <br />In years to come, when Spirit again prevails, <br />They'd say that these lonely ones lovingly <br />Created a secret world, known to the gods alone. <br />The earth will take back those concerned <br />With impermanent things: others climb higher <br />To ethereal Light who've been faithful <br />To the love inside themselves, and to the spirit <br />Of the gods. Thus they master Fate <br />In patience, hope and quietness.<br /><br />Friedrich Holderlin<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/once-gods-walked/
