By: Megan Sanchez
Biography:
Born in Greece, Alex Antonopoulos has been immersed in the culture of literature and art from an early age.
Throughout his evolution into adulthood, Alex stayed faithful to his passion, obtaining an MA in creative writing from the University of Cambridge (2017).
This pivotal experience, among plenty, paved the way to the realization of his dream - becoming a remarkable poet. Below, is a selection of his Greek and English poetry.
Greek Poetry and Translation:
'Otan Emathe' (When "he" discovered) is a poem that tells the story of one of the most intense of the human emotions: jealousy.
It is a tale which is experienced through the eyes of a young man, and narrated by a poet.
The opening verse sees the poet proclaim that "he" (the boy) 'was not jealous' upon learning that his woman 'was in bed with another man'.
The reader implicitly understands, that as long as the relationship between the boy's lover and her new man is only physical, then he has no reason to be jealous.
The second verse, is where the poem builds its momentum.
The poet proceeds to explain the intensity and depth of what jealousy feels like through the boy's eyes: "he got jealous, when he learned - that after they were in bed - instead of talking, they listened to the rain."
This conclusive verse is fascinating for one main reason.
It provides the expression of all four of the primordial senses through the contrast between "talking" and the "rain".
'Talking' encompasses only two of the human senses (speech and listening).
However, 'rain' holds much more weight in the world of the senses.
You can "see", "smell", "touch", and "listen" to rain all at the same time. (You may even predict the rain through a 6th sense, perhaps).
It is this conclusive visual imagery that resonates with the audience.
One implicitly understands that sharing a 'moment of silence' under the rain 'is louder than 1000 words'.
Alex's English Poetry
"Two Sinners Meet in Hell" is a masterpiece for its depth in simplicity. Like a circle - it begins and concludes with a visual imperative - "grab my hand, hold my hand".
As previously mentioned in another post on EVMO, the hand is one of the most powerful and symbolized objects in literature and human life.
According to Aristotle, hands are "the tools of tools."
They represent power, attempt, creation, gratitude, aknowledgement, and of course, affection.
Holding someone's hand may "not stop the flames", but still, if one cares, then don't let go.
For more of Alex's poetry, please check our instagram post at: www.instagram.com/evmonews/
You may follow the talented poet on instagram at: www.instagram.com/alexiosantonopoulos
and explore his website: www.alexantonopoulos.com
The #art Alex chose on "Two Sinners Meet in Hell" is a painting by the renowned surrealist artist #ReneMagritte (1928) entitled "Lovers II".
The art on "Otan Emathe" is by Harry Holland (1982) entitled "Lovers".
EVMO wishes you a great day!