My friend I know not what I am – And neither you, know what you are, here. You, like me, are wandering in an estrangement – And all men are like us too! We are two guests, spending a time – Then leaving whence comes our day. Our fathers lived for a time before us – After which they then departed. Naked have I entered the world – No possessions have I in it or riches. And divested shall I leave it – Of all the mind foolishly gathers and possess. A wander then, if after this, we shall desire – A dwelling place on earth or a homeland? Disillusioned by this mirage – Inebriated by its dreams We have wasted our yesterdays – If only we would awaken, and our hearts purify. Before departing, and ‘If only’ remains. – Pope Shenouda III #coptic#orthodox#sayingsofthefathers#popeshenouda