Spring sunlight filters through new leaves br in this wood near Athens; br the ozone of the sea not far away br livens the nostrils of the hopeful student br pausing in front of the marble columns. br br The pause is a departure and an arrival: br there’s dust on his sandals; br he’s come from far away; br who knows how far? br br How many times has his spirit br been washed by Lethe’s oblivion? br That forgetting which by grace br may lead to a remembering? br br The student and the columns of the portico br shining white in their new marble in the sunlight, br both for a moment still; yet br in another world, the spirit of the student br and the spirit of the Academy itself br fly to meet each other; br the goddess, bare arms open, br greets her worshipper of truth. br br We the Chorus, witnessing the beauty of this scene br indescribable; immortal; full of truth, br speak of the gods who watch eternally; br recall in measured words br Odysseus, returning to his homeland; br his mind, like his faithful dog, br waking to its long awaited master.