The sea took a sailor to its depths.-- <br />His mother, unsuspecting, goes and lights <br /> <br />a tall candle before the Virgin Mary <br />for his speedy return and for fine weather -- <br /> <br />and always she turns her ear to the wind. <br />But while she prays and implores, <br /> <br />the icon listens, solemn and sad, <br />knowing that the son she expects will no longer return.<br /><br />Constantine P. Cavafy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/supplication/
