This poetry collection is a lyrical record of life in the small village of Sklithron (Zeleniche) in Western Macedonia (Greece), and of the journey of emigration to an adopted homeland, Canada. Through memory, place, and longing, these poems honour the people and everyday moments that shaped a generation.
Written by Kosmas Yotis, this collection preserves the voice of village life and the experience of leaving home—carrying the past forward while building a new life abroad.
Note: The images included with these poems are AI-created artistic renderings inspired by the verses and by historical photographs of the village, intended to evoke memory and atmosphere rather than depict exact historical moments.
PROLOGUE
The poems within this website
Aim to capture memories
They create a moment in time
And instill a sense of nostalgia
Those written to remind us
Of other eras
Old friends, old neighbourhoods
And forgotten feelings
To make us laugh and to make us cry
And to shout with joy
This book is also
A reminder of the fact
That when we were growing up
Many of the stories we heard
Were something more than stories
They were lived experiences
From our families
Experiences that shaped
Not only their values
But also their character
As well as
These poems will be
Stories and experiences
That will pass on to the next generation
And help strengthen
The enduring bond Between grandparent and grandchild
“The poems are meant to capture memories, encapsulate a moment in time and instill a sense of nostalgia. They were written to remind us of days gone by, old friends, old neighbourhoods and forgotten emotions. Remembrance of times that made us laugh, cry and shout out for joy. They are also a reminder of the fact that, when growing up many of the stories were heard were more than just stories; they were experiences lived by our families. Experiences that shaped not only their ideals, but their character as well. It will be these poems, stories, and experiences that will get passed on to the next generation and support a further bond between grandfather and grandchild.” (Steve Yotis)
Source:
Yotis, K. (2012, August). Poetry Collection of Kosmas Yotis. ΠΟΙΗΤΙΚΗ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΣΜΑ ΓΙΩΤΗ. https://kosmasyotispoems.blogspot.com/
Sklithro-Zelenich-Sebalći 