Just below the walk, under Apollo’s Gate, there is a small beach at the edge of the protected cove. You walk down steps into the Mediterranean and float on your back looking up at the ancient ruin. It is calm and serene until the Blue Star Ferry arrives, the captain swinging the ship 180 degrees, sliding gracefully to just the edge of the dock, a few moments later the waves created flood the walk with a mini-tsunami, drenching items not placed at an appropriate altitude. It’s not the fanciest beach in the Cyclades, but to swim at the foot of the hill while you gaze back at the gate is one of those memories that you bottle to keep forever.

The Gate

The sea
the sky
the gate
keep watch over
the harbor.
Octopus hang over lines
to dry and tenderize
as raki is poured
into small cups
and downed
in single gulps. 
Fried cheese 
with lemon and anise 
is served
hot in a spitting skillet
while you look back
at the hill
the gate seeing all.