Before Darkness Fell

Little Dimitroula ran in haste.

She slipped and fell into the well,

And like Gerakina, she too

Let out a great cry.

Her mother’s voice was heard —

Terror had overcome her.

The father threw himself

Into the deep well to save her.

A passing priest came running,

Trampling the leeks as he rushed.

He too wished to jump inside,

But his robes held him back.

The priest began to pray,

Looking high toward the sky.

From deep below the father shouted:

“Father, throw us a rope!”

The depth swallowed them twice;

The third time they had climbed up.

The mother, Tsile, heard their cries

And threw down a rope to save them.

A person without a soul

Ceases to offer good;

When their final breath departs,

They also cease to do harm.

The dreams of childhood

Have now been forgotten.

Now look to survive,

And leave something good behind.