Carpe Diem

Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace (Odes 1.11).
It is usually translated to "seize the day".

One interpretation of the phrase might be as an existential cautionary term, much like "eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die" with emphasis on making the most of current opportunities because life is short and time is fleeting. It has some connections with another Latin phrase, Memento mori.

"Leuconoe, don't ask--it's forbidden to know--
what end the gods will give me or you. Don't play with Babylonian
fortune-telling either. Better just deal with whatever comes your way.
Whether you'll see several more winters or whether the last one
Juppiter gives you is the one even now pelting the rocks on the shore with the waves
of the Tyrrhenian sea--be smart, drink your wine. Scale back your long hopes
to a short period. Even as we speak, envious time
is running away from us. Seize the day (Carpe diem), and trust as little as possible in the future."

Shakespeare's version of the theme takes the following form in Twelfth Night:
What is love? 'Tis not hereafter;Present mirth has present laughter; What's to come is still unsure.In delay there lies no plenty,Then come and kiss me sweet and twenty; Youth's a stuff will not endure...

Seize the day!

All the best for the coming week!

Hugz!
C

Beyond the Sunset

Should you go first and I remain… to walk the road alone...I'll live in mem'ry's garden dear with happy days we've known

In spring… I'll watch for roses red when fades the lilacs blue... And in early fall when brown leaves call I'll, I’ll catch a glimpse of you…

And, Should you go first and I remain to… finish with the scroll...No lengthening shadows shall creep in… to make this life seem droll. We've known so much of happiness… we've had our cup of joy... But memory is one gift of God, that death cannot destroy! Should you go first and I remain for battles to be fought...Each thing you've touched along the way will… be a hallowed spot. Oh! I’ll, I'll see your face, I’ll hear your voice… and though blindly I may grope…The mem'ry of your helping hand… will buoy me on with hope!

And finally, should you go first, and I remain… One thing I would have you do… Walk slowly down that long, long path... for soon I'll follow you... And I want to know each step you take… that I may walk the same! For someday down that long, long path… you'll hear me call your name!

Beyond the sunset! Oh glad reunion! With our dear loved ones… who’ve gone before! In that fair homeland… we’ll know no more parting! Beyond the sunset… forever more!

***

These lyrics are from the song "Beyond the Sunset", sung by the Cathedrals. I thought it applicable to start this blog with these words...

It is sad I know... but...

Tonight i am thinking about the festive season rushing up on us, and pondering where this year has gone by so quickly... and yes... looking back at the trials and tribulations of the year,

and...

Remembering those close to us that is not with us anymore...

Maybe we should be greatfull that we could have walked with them, even if it was for a short while. Indeed they are in a much better place...

Memories are all we have... ain't it?

Knowing at the end of the day, that if we believe... we will one day join them!

Travel well my dear friends!