Sit not in your darkened room
alone and brooding
feeling forsaken by the Fates
the sounds of the living rising from the streets.
Mourn not uselessly your luck
that’s failing now;
your plans, your hopes
all gone awry.
Instead prepare and brace yourself
with courage, to say goodbye to them
and her;
for she has left you and is no longer here.
Weep not too long, nor pine,
nor waste away, nor degrade yourself
with empty hopes and dreams
for that which is lost, is lost.
Instead listen closely with your heart
to the joyous music of those still young, still happy
and prepare to say goodbye to her
with grace.
for the procession of the living goes on;
the exquisite music of the city
rising in your ears will carry you the courage
to bid “farewell”.
And shake not your fist at Heaven, asking “why?”
as if you are the lone forsaken;
after all, did not the Gods abandon
even mighty Antony?
.