SINOP, LOOMING CYCLOPS
Sinop, looming cyclops of Odysseus
Appearing like a preying giant through the mist.Shores of refuge to Autolycus thy founder,
Whisper to me the time-lost secrets.
Can you speak of your Athenian heritage?
Or do you dream of your Pontic glory?
Pericles saw thy greatness and Xenophon thy courage
Persia and Macedon soiled thee riot.
More formidable than Carthage and more fortunate:
Caesar made thee Roman, and Andrew Christian.
The Golden Century saw thee perish; and yet,
A flame still burns within thee.
Few cities ancient will see a season,
As Sinop under the Crescent will harvest.
L. P. D.