Cleanthes Draw near my friend – you must hear what I say. Be of good cheer. I am old – soon to depart. All that was made is created again. Green grapes grow into clusters of ripeness, afterwards raisins. I have worked, I’ve worked hard for wisdom and knowledge come hard to a striver like me. Once I was strong and knew how to fight but now I am ready to stop, to welcome the rest. I haven't been eating. The soreness improved after fasting – they told me to eat again but as I have travelled most of this road I won’t retrace steps. He has his wish, whose wish is to have enough: I desire nothing, only to have what is meant to be. There is no need for me to make changes, so I will stay fasting. Each step is a change, not into what is not, but that which is yet to be. Dear brother, give me your smile. Farewell to this life. My fire will find new fuel. Don’t be distressed. Your pain is yours you make