Böcker av Nikos Savvakis

'Dear Mr. Savvakis, your poetry reminds me of a phrase by Terentius: 'nothing human could be strange to me.' This was what a Greek critic wrote about one my collections and I think he hit the nail on the head. Yes, indeed all human activities interest me. There are countless ways in which we react to both material and psychological realities, and one cannot help but marvel at this wonder of creation. Just as each of us has a unique fingerprint, we also possess a unique personality. We each handle even the most common problems in our own distinctive manner. Of course, we comprehend and interpret them differently, according to our customs, values, circumstances and a countless number of factors that determine our personality. Nothing human could be strange to me, and in my poetry, I strive to capture as many expressions of this uniqueness as possible.

I've always felt an overwhelming sense of luck. Here I am, existing, against almost unimaginable odds. The sheer improbability of my being, of any of us being, is staggering. Yet, here we stand, shining brightly in this vast cosmic tapestry. Our very planetary system stands as a testament to our extraordinary fortune. And if that isn't humbling enough, consider the vastness of the black hole in Messier 87, a galaxy 50 million light-years away, its expanse overshadowing our entire galaxy. Is it divine design, sheer chance, or some other elusive force that granted us this existence? I'm eternally grateful to whatever power played a hand. How can one not marvel at the world around us? The birds, animals, plants, and the myriad wonders of both land and sea? Yet, as I reflect, I'm equally astounded by humanity's extremes; the marvels and the madness we are both capable of and often oblivious to. My poetry seeks to encapsulate this wonder, highlighting both our monumental achievements and our stark shortcomings.

"e;I have always loved animals. My constant encounters with both domesticated and wild, as a boy in a village, impressed me for life."e;Nikos SavvakisIn this modern-day equivalent of a medieval bestiary, Nikos Savvakis casts an admiring, occasionally quizzical eye over the creatures with whom we share this world.Among others, frogs, pigeons, hedgehogs and the 'princely' octopus are presented in an unexpected light. Man's best friend provides moments of both comedy and sorrow, while the title poem 'Takh - The Spirit' is in praise of that most magnificent of human allies, the horse.Showcasing their author's gift for arresting but appropriate imagery, these slyly witty poems are sure to delight animal-lovers everywhere.