Vado per mare

But the people in the middle? They have enough. They are healthy. They sleep well at night. Even kings would like to be born in the middle class. The ancient wise men said this: it is right to have what you need. This is what you have, my son.

My father continued to talk. “In the middle class you can have peace. You can have friends. You can enjoy simple pleasures. You work, but not too much. You have money, but not too much. You do not have to fight for bread. You can live honestly and die in peace.”

Then his voice became harder. “But if you go to sea? You will find only misery. I warn you now. If you go away, you will suffer. You will be alone. You will be hungry. You will face storms and illnesses.” He began to cry when he spoke about my dead brother. “Even your brother did not listen to me. He wanted to be a soldier. He wanted glory. Now he is dead in a foreign country. Do you also want to die far from home?” My father could not speak anymore.

I was moved by what he said. What son would not be? I decided to stay at home. I would have forgotten the sea. I would have made my father happy. But my decision did not last. After a few days I wanted to leave again.

I waited a few weeks. Then I talked to my mother. I thought it would be easier to convince her than my father. “Mother,” I said, “I am eighteen now. I cannot stop thinking about travelling. If I stay here, I will be unhappy forever.”

“Please, talk to Dad,” I continued. “Ask him to let me make just one trip. If I do not like it, I will come back home. I promise. I will work twice as hard to make up for the lost time.” But my mother became very angry.

“How can you ask this?” she said. “Your father loves you. He wants the best for you. He will never accept this stupid plan. And I will not ask him. I will not help you destroy your life!”