Sorrowful, tired, overburdened
like a shipwreck, I walked away
to live among the beasts and
I rode my mule to edges and
my tent I put up on top of hills
and in front of deep crevasses and
I walked on the Thracian mountains
and on Epirus’ mountain peaks
and I satiated my devouring hunger
and I found a novice populace
travelling away from slavery
along mountain sides and riverbeds
populace unrestrained who knew
nothing of books, who have none
of the statues of the polytheists
who keep schools up on hilltops
and show strength, and desire
for knowledge; people who live
their songs people who resemble
statues of Gods, residents of
the plains fear them and call them
strange names: klephts, border men
and traitors, tyrants and royals hate
them and they are brave among
the bowed and soldiers among
the asleep wearing black scarves
over their heads, call them monks
if you wish, call them philosophers
with their overcoats, call them
pagan; nature’s precious they are
call them Christians, followers of
the Nazarene who is full of
youth among them.
Libros Libertad 