Do I Know Georgios Seferis Has Died? Poem by Sean Joyce

(1972. I am the Night Porter. A note
tells me - The man in room seven is
Greek. His name is Mikis Theodorakis,
but I you must call him Mr Wilson as
the Greek Generals are after him.)
The man in room seven wants ouzo
so I bring him whiskey and tell him no,
no I don’t know any Greek freedom songs

Later he asks if Lord Byron stayed here?
Here, in this fine old London house.
When I tell him I don’t recall the name
he laughs a while, then he sobs

He says he is drinking for a friend.
And I say ‘That is a good thing to do.
Do I know Georgios Seferis has died?
‘that sweet poet is gone he whispers
After that it is all Greek to me
and 'still no sign of Byron.