Spotlight On Writers
Sofia Kioroglou
- Where, do you hail from?
I hail from an ancient Aeolian port-town, called Kydonies which served surrounding Greek Aeolian cities, such as Pergamos; since the Ottoman era, the name of the city changed to Ayvalik. My grandparents were refugees who came to Athens and settled down. However, I was born and bred in Athens, Greece.
- What is the greatest thing about the place you call home?
Athens is a melting pot of many cultures and nationalities. This potent mix of influences makes it unique in that it signifies the glorious past, present and future of Hellenism. Athens features a beautiful salmagundi of cultural styles of architecture and art. It is simply awesome!
- What turns you on creatively?
Anything. I get inspiration from a tear streaming down the cheek of an orphan to a gross social injustice. Also, what turns me off could find its way on my blank sheet of paper.
- What is your favorite word, and can you use it in a poetic sentence?
My favorite word is asceticism which I have used profusely in my poems.
For example:
“You taught us self-mortification
Your severe asceticism, a glorious purification
Your abstention from sleep, a wake-up call”
- What is your pet peeve?
Fanaticism, bigotry and hatred. I detest anything that expresses social injustice.
- What defines Sofia Kioroglou?
I am a fighter, a believer and a visionary. I love purity, social equality and freedom.
I am a sempiternal dreamer!
- The Hummingbirds Won’t Sing Again - February 3, 2023
- The Cocoon - November 7, 2019
- The Gymnast - July 21, 2018
