Odysseas Elytis

There are times when whatever one might say would appear commonplace.

One wishes only to remain silent, to remember, to lower one's head and close one's eyes, and to listen to a song.

Mikis Theodorakis cannot fit into a mould, nor can one separate his music from his political struggles.

The prolific and esteemed Greek poet, novelist, playwright and translator Nanos Valaoritis has died, according to an announcement on his Facebook page. He was 98 years old, and "lived a life full of riches," fellow poet Dinos Siotis said in a Facebook post.