Kleitos-Dimitrios Kyrou

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

Kleitos-Dimitrios Kyrou (August 13, 1921 – April 10, 2006) was one of the most significant Greek poets of the 20th century, with a profound influence on Greek literature and poetry. Born in Thessaloniki, his life and work reflect the conflicts and changes that shaped 20th-century Greece, particularly the historical and social transitions of the interwar and post-war periods.

Early Years and Education

Kleitos-Dimitrios Kyrou was born in Thessaloniki on August 13, 1921. He studied at the Law School of the University of Thessaloniki and worked as a bank employee from 1951 to 1983. From 1974 to 1976, he served as the general secretary of the State Theater of Northern Greece. His education and artistic inclinations were nurtured in an environment full of cultural influences and literary traditions, which strengthened his interest in the arts from a young age.

Poetic Career

Kyrou's poetry emerged as a significant tool for analyzing the social and political challenges of Greece. During the Occupation, he was a member of the student group that published the magazine Xekínima and participated in the resistance against the German occupiers. His early poems, such as "Prosmoní" (Expectation), were published in 1945 in the magazine Foítitis and gradually established his voice in the poetic scene. In 1949, he published his first poetry collection, titled Anázítisi (Search), marking the beginning of his poetic journey. Kyrou is placed in the so-called first post-war generation of Greek poets, and his poetry is characterized by social reflection, internal tension, and poetic austerity. His work evolved from neo-symbolist influences to a philosophical contemplation of history, aiming to highlight the problems of his time.

The Evolution of His Poetic Language and Style

Kleitos-Dimitrios Kyrou combined the traditional Greek poetic style with more modern and experimental techniques. His writing is marked by an intensely emotional and experiential language that captures the world of war and despair. His poetic voice was initially influenced by symbolism and lyricism, but it evolved into a clear and succinct style, reflecting the social and political upheavals of his time.

Social and Political Commitment

Kyrou's poetry was deeply committed to social and political issues. During the November 7th dictatorship and the Civil War, his works were profoundly influenced by social concerns and the awareness of the citizen. He did not directly participate in the country's political scene but used his poetry to express his concerns and comment on social injustices. His work, marked by intense social reflection and personal concerns, highlighted the contradictions and contradictions of Greek society.

Recognition and Influence

Kleitos-Dimitrios Kyrou was recognized for his significant contribution to Greek poetry, even though he did not achieve commercial success. Despite the challenges, his work continues to be appreciated by critics and scholars. Particularly, his poetry contributed to the revival of Greek poetry after the traumatic experience of war and the Occupation. In 1988, he was honored with the second state poetry award, which he declined, and in 1994, he received the first state translation award for his translation of Shelley’s The Cenci.

Last Years and Legacy

Kleitos-Dimitrios Kyrou continued to write and publish poems until his death in 2006, leaving behind a significant poetic legacy. His works were translated into various languages, and his poetry collections are anthologized in school textbooks. His influence on Greek literature remains unquestionable, and his writing continues to inspire younger poets and writers.

Works

Poetry

Poetry Collections:

• Anázítisi - Anamníseis mias amfíbolis epóhis (Search - Memories of a Doubtful Era), printed by Th. Graikopoulos, Thessaloniki, 1949

• Se próto prósopo (In First Person), Thessaloniki, 1957

• Kravgés tis nýchtas (Screams of the Night), Thessaloniki, 1960

• Kleidárithmoi (Key Numbers), published by E. Sfakianakis, Thessaloniki, 1963

• Apología (Apology), Thessaloniki, 1966 (and second edition, expanded, Thessaloniki, 1976)

• Oi kataskéves 1949-1974 (The Constructions 1949-1974), published by Kédros, Athens, 1980

• Ta pouliá kai i afýpsini (The Birds and the Awakening), published by Neféli, Athens, 1987

• Períodos chárithos kai álla poímata (Period of Grace and Other Poems), published by Cheirógrafa, Thessaloniki, 1992

• O próthysteros lógos (The Penultimate Word), published by Aígíros, Thessaloniki, 1996

• En ólo - Syngomídi 1943-1997 (In Full - Harvest 1943-1997, collected edition), published by Ágra, Athens, 1997

Prose

• Opisthodromíseis - Anadrómi zóis (Retrogressions - A Life Retrospective), 2001, autobiographical

Translations

Poetry

• Neoi ángloi poiití (Young English Poets), Thessaloniki, 1945

• F. G. Lorca, Dýo Ódes - Ódi ston Salvador Dali & Ódi ston Walt Whitman (F. G. Lorca, Two Odes - Ode to Salvador Dali & Ode to Walt Whitman) (translation by Kleitos Kyrou - Manolis Anagnostakis), Thessaloniki, 1948

• F. G. Lorca - R. Alberti, Moirolóï gia ton Ignátio Sánchez Mejías (Lorca - R. Alberti, Lullaby for Ignácio Sánchez Mejías), published by Poietikí Téchni, Thessaloniki, 1950

• A. Mac Leish, I Pýlini Ydría (A. MacLeish, The Clay Jug), reprint from the magazine Neá Poría, Thessaloniki, 1958

• G. Apollinaire, Zóni (Guillaume Apollinaire, Zone), published by the magazine Neá Poría, Thessaloniki, 1962

• Eliot, I Tetárti ton Tefrón (Eliot, The Waste Land), reprint from the magazine Diagónios, Thessaloniki, 1965

Theater

• F. G. Lorca, San perásoun pénte chrónia (F. G. Lorca, When Five Years Pass), 1962

• John Ford, Kríma pou einai póvni (John Ford, 'Tis Pity She's a Whore), published by Neféli, Athens, 1986

• Christopher Marlowe, Doktór Fáoustous (Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus), published by Ágra, 1990

• Percy Bysshe Shelley, Oi Tsenzi (Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Cenci), published by Ágra, Athens, 1993