When you're in college and you've got essays to write, better do it SOBER!  LISTEN to Stephen Sinclair's poem, read by me here:  ESSAYS

 The accompanying piece of Stephen Sinclair's poem "This Day" is now on YouTube. You can listen to it on my channel. It's about  James IV of Scotland and his death at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. But it's not just that. It's history lesson condense and felt.

 A journey from shattered despair to defiant resilience.  A messege echoing across centuries "This Day", a narrative poem by Stephen Sinclair. Listen to my recitation on YouTube  This Day, a poem by Stephen Sinclair If you like my work you can support me by subscribing to my channel, leaving a comment or by sharing my videos!

Recently, I came across some poems by Nicholas Leonard on TikTok and was immediately struck by their honesty and depth. Nicholas is a writer from Massachusetts with whom I have the pleasure of collaborating on YouTube by narrating his stories. This post is written to share his work here — not just to give it space, but to celebrate it. There is a common denominator in the three poems, or better yet sonnets, I’m sharing —  the reclamation of authentic humanity against systemic dehumanization. Each poem exposes how institutions distort our innate magic, connection and legacy. But crucially - all three end with a unifying call to action, a redemptive defiance, a manifesto to live. But those are just my thoughts. See what you make of them. Nicholas Leonard’s Note: “I like writing short stories and novels, but there’s something about writing sonnets that feels magical. It gives me that feeling I’d used to get in church when I was a little child, the feeling where...

 "The Madman"  is a fascinating and deeply ironic poem by Georgios Souris from 1888.  Souris  begins by describing the "Madman" (a British visitor) weeping at the sight of the Parthenon's missing marbles  (the artifacts removed by Lord Elgin   in the early 19th century and shipped to Britain , and now held in the British Museum  in London)   and then writing to Queen Victoria to return them to Greece. This action of the Madman  represents Western romanticization of Greek antiquity. Souris mocks this performative grief, highlighting its irrelevance to contemporary Greeks. The madman’s unsolicited letter - "Who told this fool to write about the marbles?"  -  to Queen Victoria underscores foreign interference.  But Souris' pen doesn't stop there. While critisizing the British, he also cauterizes the Greek apathy and indifference - " we do not care at all, no one has asked anything of him, no one want...

  THIS HUMOROUS POEM BY Georgios Souris could be a jab at a person’s unexpected path to becoming a cook in the army. First the port poet informs us that we or he   or somebody will become a cook and will be forced to wash meat and feed the masses.   He also so also tells us that this will happen in the army. But things are not simple because there is pressure.   We are informed that whether we already know how to cook or not, we will be forced to do it even in peaceful times otherwise we go to prison.   Now the poets talk in the first person and says that his mind twists and turns and he is desperately asking for help and is ready to get it even from the almanac where sometimes recipes were printed.   Finally the poet calls   upon his   muse   to come and help him with the cooking. Let's get down to the  poem and it's translation in English: (Τhe Greek spelling is that which the poet uses. Some words are written differently ...

Four windmills standing tall, On the seaside, above it all. Spinning sails, with rhythmic grace, Harnessing winds, in their peaceful space. Above the waves, their arms outspread, As the sea below them, whispers and fades. Four windmills, guardians of the shore, A symbol of harmony, forevermore. Their silence speaks, a calming sound, As tourists gather, all around. These four windmills, a sight to see, Standing proud, forever free. Copyright ©  2023 -  Naya Nomikou

In this poem Souris discourses the matter of politicians and how they become friendly with anybody when the electoral period is nearing. Who is this man? By Georgios Souris Translated in English by Naya Nomikou in December 22, 2022. Recently, a tall man with a tall hat and a smiling face, greets me whenever he meets with me. I wonder who he is and am troubled. He looks at me and I at him, he waves at me, and I wave at him. But I still don’t know who he is. Perhaps, he is short-sighted like me, and his eyes play tricks on him. I wonder... Were we schoolmates perhaps, or maybe old friends? But I am told that his behavior is the same towards other people too; and so, I conclude that the guy is running for mayor and greets us all so that he’ll win our votes! Copyright © 2021-2023 - Naya Nomikou You can listen to the Greek poem on the link below. Turn on the subs and from the gear icon choose English, for the English subtitles to appear.

  She is a creature of mystery and might; Fierce and proud, with a heart full of fire. A black cat with green eyes. Such a wondrous sight! Copyright ©  2023 -  Naya Nomikou

The flowers bloom in colors bright The birds sing songs of joy and light The sun warms up the earth and sky The breeze caresses as it goes by Spring time is a time of hope and cheer A time to celebrate the new and clear A time to enjoy the beauty all around A time to feel alive and sound Copyright ©  2023 -  Naya Nomikou

 The poem "Abolition" was written in 1885, two years after the Greek government of Harilaos Trikoupis declared bankruptcy. This led to the imposition of the International Financial Control on Greece. Abolition By Georgios Souris Translated in English by Naya Nomikou in December 11th 2022. For the nation is suffering   and because there is no hope,   for the Treasury has no money at all:   We abolish the embassies and their ambassadors.   We order everyone to come to Athens immediately,   leaving in his  position only the ambassador in Constantinople.   Cause everybody is burdened with taxes,   because the Greeks can't take it any more,   because both Trikoupis and the Country are failing due to the taxes on oil, cigarettes and wine,   and because our pockets were emptied of money:   We abolish all the direct and indirect taxes.   Because all positions require qualifications,   we are abolishi...