“How much does a man live, after all?


  HOW MUCH DOES A MAN LIVE by Pablo Neruda   “How much does a man live, after all? Does he live a thousand days, or one only? For a week, or for several centuries? How long does a man spend dying? What does it mean to say ‘for ever’? ” Lost in these preoccupations, I set myself to clear things up. I sought out knowledgeable priests, I waited for them after their rituals, I watched them went they went their ways to visit God and the Devil. They wearied of my questions. They on their part knew very little; … Continue reading “How much does a man live, after all?

Murphy’s Law


Murphy’s Law by Maria Fokas / Photograph by Martin Hanley And though it seemed that anything could go wrong, That everything would go wrong He looked into my eyes, and claimed he saw lines of red in the brown He said hazel, I said brown . . . He counted my smiles, and spoke of inspiration He asked me; where inspiration comes from  – No, not from the Gods, I said, But from a painful longing that cannot be marked Where touch is absent, and words feel mercy, And comfort never comes too soon © Maria Fokas 2014   Continue reading Murphy’s Law

A Touch of Light


  A Touch of Light by Maria Fokas On dark days I attempt to capture the way in which the sun touches the leaves of its trees. I observe the sparks of light on the surface of the water caressing the coasts of homelands, and I know hope is not lost. It resides in the warmth of the light at the end of every tunnel we choose. We win a few, and lose a many – but what makes a difference is getting out of bed on mornings when the world seems cruel; when we see no purpose to anything. Those … Continue reading A Touch of Light