Mode of Acquisition

Yannis Ritsos was a distinguished modern Greek poet. He was born in Monemvasia, Greece in 1909. His first collection was published in 1934. He was sent to exile in 1948 - 52 because he was a member of the EAM (National Liberation Form) against the Germans.

He wrote many poems. The “Moonlight Sonata” won the National prize of poetry.

In 1967 he was arrested by the Papadopoulos dictatorship and sent to prison camp in Yiaros. His poetry was banned in Greece. He has been honoured by many Universities around the world. His work includes more than one hundred volumes of poems, essays and dramatic works.

He died in his sleep at home in 1990.

Following is my favorite poem taken from “Yannis Ritsos Repetitions Testimonies Parentheses” by Edmund Keely.

Whatever you hold in your hands

so carefully, wish so much love,

yours so totally, my companion,

you must give away

in order for it to become yours.