The sea took a sailor to its depths.--
His mother, unsuspecting, goes and lights
a tall candle before the Virgin Mary
for his speedy return and for fine weather --
and always she turns her ear to the wind.
But while she prays and implores,
the icon listens, solemn and sad,
knowing that the son she expects will no longer return.
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Comments2WOW, THIS POEM REALLY HIT HOME. THE NARRATIVE IS SO TOUCHING AND STIRRING, IT'S LIKE A WAVE OF EMOTION PUNCHING YOU IN THE GUT. I REALLY FELT FOR THE SAILOR'S MOTHER - IT'S THE ULTIMATE HEATBREAK. ITS AMAZING HOW POETRY CAN MAKE YOU FEEL THESE INTENSE FEELINGS! REALLY POWERFUL STUFF. GOT ME TEARY EYED HERE!
Cavafy's words hit hard! "The icon listens, solemn and sad" got me right in the feels 😢. Powerful stuff.