“If you take Greece apart, In the end, you will be left with an olive tree, a vineyard, and a boat…” which means that with these items you can rebuild Greece” Odysseas Elytis, Nobel Prize for Literature, 1979. From the poetry collection “The Little Mariner, O μικρός Ναυτίλος” (1985)
Among other things, Elytis discusses divinity, the fear of decay and death, and the existential agonies that are most common to all. He references human nature—vices, like the lack of communication.
But he also references the beauty of nature in landscapes (Cyclades and the Aegean), and images of the Greek sun and the sea. He talks, in unequivocal lyricism, about all the things that make life worth living. And his words act as keys that unlock emotions and childhood memories. The Little Mariner is a wanderer in search of summer light, crystal-clear seawaters, the authenticity of feelings, and the elusiveness of immortality. Through him, the poet motivates us all to re-evaluate our lives, experience more of nature, live free, and dream again and again!
Today is the 18th of March.
It has been 27 years since Odysseas Elytis passed away… but we will always remember him
