Stages

As every flower fades and as all youth 

Departs, so life at every stage, 

So every virtue, so our grasp of truth, 

Blooms in its day and may not last forever. 

Since life may summon us at every age 

Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor, 

Be ready bravely and without remorse 

To find new light that old ties cannot give. 

In all beginnings dwells a magic force 

For guarding us and helping us to live. 

Serenely let us move to distant places 

And let no sentiments of home detain us.

 

The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us 

But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces. 

If we accept a home of our own making, 

Familiar habit makes for indolence. 

We must prepare for parting and leave-taking 

Or else remain the slave of permanence. 

Even the hour of our death may send 

Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces, 

And life may summon us to newer races. 

So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.

-Hermann Hesse-