Diagora 3
116 36 Athens

The dawn

I had heard about it, but I didn’t pay any attention until I saw
them with my own eyes. Some while before the dawn, when it is still dark, they
appear from that corner of the upper town, coming along the
street. They fill almost all its width. When you first see them
flowing down the road, you can’t believe your eyes. So many
living beings in the heart of a dead town. Like a white river.
As it was the first time, I felt surrounded. They were so warm,
spreading their dirty smell. Then I saw the black dog. On the
other side… He had already distinguished me from those sheep
and goats. Rearing on his hind legs, he showed all his teeth
suspiciously, smelling my fear…
Soon enough I realised that it was better for me to stay with
them. I was hoping, if possible, that this flow would never stop.
Their stink had become mine. And their fur so warmed me at
that day-break, I had surrendered to their protection.
I always knew that sometime it would happen. Now this wild
black dog is waiting for me… He is powerful, with strong legs
and pointed teeth. I know that I will not fight.
Everything that comes after will be humiliation.

( from “Notes for Ifigenia” - Pd ‘Exandas’ )

The death of the animal

Up till now I got along
As a race horse
Keeping myself in form
By the skin of my teethe
But I didn’t always spend my time racing
May be no proper use was made of me
However I was well taken care of
The food was well chosen
Those who rode me
Were not particularly heavy
The other animals showed understanding
Sometimes envy
I wouldn’t say love
Until the carriage came along
Then, a stable boy pulled me aside
Nailed horseshoes to my feet
Even this was not so painful
Until I saw father’s shadow
At that door
With ritualistic pity
Loading the pistol.

( From “The death of the animal” – Pd. ‘Exandas )

The refusal

You’ve just borne a moribund baby
And you won’t admit it
Its album is open at the first page
Weight and eyes’ color
Now the hemoglobin count is rising
As the relatives gather in the waiting-
room
The doctor suggests a transfusion
You insist wearing this raincoat
You refuse to take it off
You refuse to acknowledge the birth

It’s impossible, you are saying
I never became yours’

( from “ Eleftheria is leaning on a black desk” – Pd ‘Armos’ )