Emis – young, twenty-eight -
reached this Syrian harbour in a Tenian ship,
his plan to learn the incense trade.
But ill during the voyage,
he died as soon as he was put ashore.
His burial, the poorest possible, took place here.
A few hours befor dying he wispered something
about “home”, about “very old parents”.
But nobyd knew who they were,
or what country he called home
in the great panhellenic world.
Better that way; because as it is,
though he lies buried in this harbour-town
his parents will always have the hope he’s still alive.

C.P Cavafy In the harbour