Poetic inspirations

I’ve always been a fan of the esteemed Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature on nine different occasions and has a sea of quotes attributed to him. Two of them, in particular, really strike a chord with me.

One is on his tombstone:

“I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.”

The other is from his novel Zorba the Greek (which was later turned into a film):

“Life is trouble. Only death is not. To be alive is to unfasten your belt and look for a fight.”

With Nikos Kazantzakis as my muse, I’ve written this poem to reflect my mindset when it comes to social justice:

I fear nothing

As I expect nothing

I am a free woman

And, free I shall remain

as that is my strength

Those who place

their personal interests

above justice & human rights

should fear me

as those, I shall expose

Art comes in all forms. It is the very thing that reflects our culture and identity. When paintings, sculptures, frescos and other antiquities are stolen from the places where they were created, it leaves a hole in the identity of entire communities. As a refugee, I’ve experienced this acutely–it’s why I’m so passionate about stopping culture crime in its tracks. But you don’t have to be a refugee to connect to the importance of art in society.

This poem was the inspiration for my book ‘The Icon Hunter’. I hope that when you read it, you too will be inspired to take action and help to return invaluable antiquities to their rightful place.