translated by Yannis Goumas

Legacy, Α΄

I was born
in this clinic
overlooking the sea.
Saturday morning. Aship bound
for Salamis
windblown streets and buildings
dust kissing the brows
of dockers.
– Now you can see the world,
my mother said.
You can be whatever you want,
there's no problem.
only don't smoke.

Legacy, B΄

At birth you weighted 7 pounds 8 ounces
The nurses lifted you up high
That you might see the sea.
When they brought you to me again
You were hardly breathing.
I held you to my breast.
Shall I name you Oedipus
or Theodoros?

  99 poems, Odos Panos Publications, Athens, 1999