Honor to those who in the life they lead
define and guard a Thermopylae.
Never betraying what is right,
consistent and just in all they do
but showing pity also, and compassion;
generous when they are rich, and when they are poor,
still generous in small ways,
still helping as much as they can;
always speaking the truth,
yet without hating those who lie.
And even more honor is due to them
when they foresee (as many do foresee)
that in the end Ephialtis will make his appearance,
that the Medes will break through after all.
— C.P. Cavafy, "Thermopylae"
In the end, Ephialtis always appears, and the Medes always break through. We bring them with us when we come to Thermopylae.
They are us.
© 2011 The Epicurean Dealmaker. All rights reserved.
