旅に病んで 夢は枯野を かけめぐる Mi sono ammalato in viaggio. I miei sogni vagano per i campi spogli. (Matsuo Bashō) When I read this haiku in its Italian translation, I was reminded of Dante’s journey, the great Italian poet. Both Dante and Bashō use the theme of the journey to reflect their inner state. Dante travels through Hell, Paradise, and Purgatory, while Bashō speaks of 'barren fields.' Both face desolation and suffering, yet their spirits do not give up and continue to move forward despite the hardships. Can one then find beauty and a deeper meaning even in hard times? Probably, yes. After all, through the difficulties of life we become different people. And, hopefully, better people.