Since I posted the poem Ithaca by C.P. Cavafy in May 2007, it has been the most sought after and most read poem on this site, garnering 1,720 views. Karl Mikelsons just wrote in to the comments section of the posting and pointed me to this fantastic reading of the poem by Sean Connery.
Only one year ago I was working at a job that felt like dying. My dear friend Anders Hansen, a Philadelphia artist sent me the poem and I immediately fell in love with it. As many of you have as well. It helped me keep a sense of perspective as I grappled with the “Lestrygonians” of my daily existence.
This year I found the perfect job and just spent the whole summer traveling through Europe and opening myself up to the journey. Once again, Ithaca reminds me on how best to go through the world, literally and metaphorically.
Enjoy the video!
[…] is wonderful video accompanying a reading of “Ithaca” by Sean Connery. Possibly related posts: […]
Thank you, Nina, for sharing the poem Ithaca. The poem touches the inner depths of my soul. I never heard the recitation by Sean Connery and it was beautiful. His deep, Scottish lilt is like plush velvet on my ears.
Thank you.
Joan
Dear Joan,
This morning I was looking at sites about the Acropolis and found your reading of “Ithica” by Sean Connery. It must have been meant for me to find. So beautiful. Thank you very much for putting it on the internet. I’m sure I will listen many more times.
Many thanks,
Vance
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[…] https://ninaalvarez.net/2008/08/09/poem-video-of-the-day-ithaca/ […]
Reblogged this on Poetry Lobby and commented:
Very perfectly cut gem we have in this one!
[…] Cavafy’s poem addresses our personal journey to Ithaka, and pays homage to Homer’s epic poem. For an excellent article on “Ithaka” with a link to a powerful Sean Connery reading, with music by Vangelis, go to: https://ninaalvarez.net/2008/08/09/poem-video-of-the-day-ithaca/ […]
Ever since I heard Maurice Templesman read this poem at Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ funeral, I have often read it and pondered its powerful meaning.
One day perhaps six or seven years after the funeral, I met Mr. Templesman on Madison Ave. while we were both waiting for the light to cross. I told him how moved I was by his reading and how I have made it a part of my life. I went to school in Ithaca and it, like the poetic reference, started me on my never ending journey of discovery, travel and introspection. I am so happy to have found Sean Connery’s exquisite reading of it.
Thank you!
Maurice Templesman was a fine and sensitive man that loved the sea and must have experienced many Ithacas along his countless voyages.
In the same vein may I have the temerity to also suggest Tennyson’s Ulysses.
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Reblogged this on The girl and myself.
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Hi thankks for posting this