It is from the open sea's horizon that he draws his inspiration. The anchor, the fo'c'sle, the marabou and brothels in various exotic countries, excite his imagination to the point that the world of the sea becomes a metaphor for his poetic philosophy. (. . .) His erotic ideal is Fata Morgana, a beautiful woman in Celtic myth, heralding disaster; just like the sea that seduces and drowns. Kavadias turned his profession into poetry. Does this explain the unique charm of his poetry? It certainly suggests the added difficulty that it must have presented for the translator, Gail Holst Warhaft. The translation is very successful. (Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke - Poet)