Come, caress this cup of hemlock
There is nothing to worry, Simmias, let's talk!
All that you have in mind and body
All that is chattel of gods
Nothing cheap and shoddy
As you owe it to them
The body – you cannot kill or condemn
If possible, combat death
Take not a mortal breath!
What are you so petrified for, Crito?
Bury the body wherever you’d like
In an Athens’ cemetery or in grotto
As such, the body matters only to a tyke
The wise buries his body even as alive
as he knows its difference from the soul
Inconsequential it is, what he has to contrive
Is To leave behind it for the abode of life
That is the soul – the eternal vive
Combat death as a homage to gods
And embrace death even it’s at odds
With your common sense and belief
Give it to the soul, this relief
Gentlemen, arise to your feet
And let us toast Phaedo
Let me toast my hemlock and your wine, Elite!
Wipe out the death, even its shadow
For a life of eternal construct
There is no death, concrete or abstract
Life is life absolute, indeed
There is no opposite creed
See Phaedo, pinch the body that is dying
Yet intangible that what is living
Only life there is no contrast
Life lives on – space and time surpassed
Lament not on this little loss
Take my message across
‘Dear Thebans! The form of life is deathless
Oh immortal ones, thou I address
Fear not death as soul is there
Immortal the soul is, what to fear? ’
we should focus on our soul, rather than the body, because soul isundieing and ever present, though we might not be able to see in our physical eyes.a very good poem indeed!
Nice write Bhaswat. I love the way you incorporate Plato's ancient characters. 10
plato, socrates, whichever it may be, is much to deep for my eyes to see.
Thanks for inviting me to read your poems. I have read three today, but did not make separate comments! Why don't you write more poems like this? Just read up first and make poetry! Kindly read my -'' A Tribute to Pre-Socratic Philosophers'', - on page 1. Thanks for sharing! -Raj
great writing there, mortal as against immortal. Philosophers in the past even believed that there is immortality in mortals and that is their souls, the spirit that comes out from a mortal body or when a mortal dies, his spirit would separate from his body and live eternally.10+
You portray Life very well. To live and to fear death is not uncommon But if your faith is strong you will know The true gift of life. Don't let your earthly loves get in the way of your everlasting goals. Great work.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
profound thoughts...........