Ivan Djeparoski - SEA AND MONASTERY

Only
on Mount Athos
could I turn
my back to the sea.

Only
on Mount Athos
the eyes first seek for
the arched entrance
to the inside of the monastery.

Only
on Mount Athos
the eyes always
guide you to the cross
of the central church.

Only
on Mount Athos
beauty is not
the nature behind us
but the spirit before us.

Only on Mount Athos
the morning prayer
is always unique
and filled with bliss.

Only
on Mount Athos
the evening prayer
summons so many young,
but also so many ancient monks.

Only
on Mount Athos
could I turn
my back to the sea.

September 2010
Philotheou Monastery, Mount Athos

Translated by Zoran Anchevski