A few years ago, a good friend introduced me to the poetry of Constantine P. Cavafy (Konstantinos Petrou Kavafis), a Greek poet, journalist and civil servant from Alexandria, Egypt (1863 - 1933).

Considered the most distinguished Greek poet of the 20th century, Cavafy’s “Ithaka” was inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, focusing on the journey rather than the destination. The poet uses the story of Odysseus’s return to Ithaka as a framework for a philosophical statement about life. The island of Ithaka becomes a symbol for the goals and ideals for which we strive.

The poem’s theme is “enjoyment of the journey of life, and the increasing maturity of the soul as that journey continues.” The journey itself is what is important, not the destination.

Please, do take a moment, and on your computer, phone, tablet or other magic device, look up “Ithaka” and C. P. Cavafy, and read for yourself his wisdom.

Your life, I promise you, will be richer for it.

Here, then, is my take on the subject of success for the September 2025 Poem of the month. I hope you enjoy it.

SUCCESS

Owning yachts, airplanes and fancy foreign cars
Are for some, the ways to demonstrate their success,
While others might travel extensively…
Or buy fine homes. (Oh, how they dress!)

“The road to success is always under construction!”
So said Lily Tomlin (as she managed a scowl).
The struggles along your path are meant to shape you,
Not break you, so don’t throw in the towel.

Your journey and your path are for you to decide.
You can make it a burden or you can make it fun.
And, while others may accompany you on your path,
No one can walk it for you. (That’s NO ONE!)

Your journey will be easier, far easier (it is said)
If you don’t carry your past with you, my friend.
What you learn on your journey is far more valuable
Than what you achieve at the end.

Your journey will teach you about your destination.
It’s the journey that matters. Do you comprehend?
As Steve Jobs said, “The journey itself Is the reward.”
Your success is the quality of your journey. You transcend!

If you travel far enough, you will meet your true self.
You are destined to become the person you decide to be.
The doing is more important than the outcome.
Success is defined as the quality of your journey.

You might still own the yachts and the exotic cars,
But YOU know you have something MORE:
You have the satisfaction of having experienced
SUCCESS from the “inside,” and you keep the score.