Therefore, men of Polynesia and Boston and China and Mount Fuji and the barrios of the Philippines, do not come to these islands empty-handed, or craven in spirit, or afraid to starve. There is no food here. In these islands there is no certainty. Bring your own food, your own gods, your own flowers and fruits and concepts. For if you come without resources to these islands you will perish... On these harsh terms the islands waited.
The passage highlights the unforgiving nature of the islands, urging visitors from diverse places such as Polynesia, Boston, and beyond, to arrive prepared. It emphasizes the necessity of bringing sustenance and spiritual strength, suggesting that the islands do not offer certainty or nourishment on their own. Those who arrive without adequate resources face dire consequences, potentially leading to their downfall.
This message serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that await newcomers, calling for them to come equipped with their own essentials, including food, beliefs, and cultural elements. The islands, portrayed as waiting on these harsh terms, convey a sense of solemnity and self-reliance that anyone venturing there must heed.
