Perhaps one of the ‘conspiracy theories’ is right. You might be a “domestic terrorist” seeking to overthrow the government by creating chaos, as the officials, like officials everywhere, every time there’s a disaster anywhere, ‘chicken-little it’, shouting, “the sky is falling…but it’s not my fault!” You might be a landowner who got screwed by one of the capricious government edicts, that says you can construct a home one day and then declares your building site a ‘forest-protected area’ the next. You might even be a cold-blooded opportunist, who expects you can now purchase ruined land on the cheap and build hotels upon it.
Or perhaps you just like to see things burn. Maybe you’re one of the pathetic few in this world who imagine that you, who can only destroy, are as magnificent as those who can only create.
None of this matters. Because I’m writing to tell just what you really accomplished and just who you really are:
NOTHING.
You are NOTHING to the Greek spirit that has conquered thousands of years of famine, strife, oppression and natural acts of god.
You are NOTHING to the descendents of those who rebuilt the Parthenon after the Persians destroyed it. It was made even more astonishing and awe-inspiring the second time around.
You are NOTHING to those whose ancestors in Messolonghi, danced the “Zallogos,” then jumped off the cliffs to their deaths, rather then endure capture by their enemies.
You are NOTHING to the children of the children, who parents taught them in hidden caves, when tyrants occupying the land tried to squelch the Hellenic culture, history and language.
And to the ghosts of the students who stood in front of tanks and to Mikis Theodorakis, whose music is still the voice of the Greek Resistance, you are NOTHING.
Like the flame you created, you were here for a short time, “full of sound and fury,” but in the face of our determination, indomitable love of land and country, you are reduced to ash. That ash, which you left behind, we’ll use it to till the soil. It will fertilize the seeds of the beautiful red poppies of Hellas. And they’ll grow again.
Where you thought you’d left Greece barren, flora and fauna will grow again. Though we may not live to see it bloom to its complete beauty, our grandchildren will and their grandchildren, too.
Where you’d hoped to destroy a mother’s love and her four children, you unwittingly multiplied it, by the love of a hundred million mothers on every corner of this planet, who wept for her and hers, holding our own sons and daughters all the tighter that night.
Those of us privileged and safe in our homes, saw your flames from our televisions and cried,too. But the men and women in the villages we watched, remained stoic as they stamped you out with nothing but sticks and prayers. They’d lived through it all before – fire, earthquakes and conquerors – and still live, to pass on their valour to the next generation.
Philhellenes and Hellenes everywhere across the globe, like devoted, grown children tending to an ailing parent, will nurture Greece back to health, as she had always nurtured us. And Greece will thrive again, as she has in the past, as she always will.
That’s why I say you are NOTHING.
[ciò è buono]
I know this spirit exists in many peoples, not just the Hellenes. Nonetheless, at this time, it helps those who suffered through those fires to be reminded.
It was very eloquently written with passion, pride, and spirit. A great message and reminder for everyone that we can and we will endure, regardless. I found what you wrote very moving and inspiring.
thank you for saying what so many of us are feeling.
Thank you, Foxsy. : )
This isn't good…it's great. I'm a bit off the radar on current events but I shall google this and learn more about it.
Thank you Icarus. About two months ago, due to the heatwave, some brush fires started in Greece as they do every summer. This summer they got way out of control and some were set deliberately. All of Greece (literally) has been burning and the site of the ancient Olympia has almost been destroyed. You can go to youtube.com and see BBC reports under "greece fires" But you can also read Illias K blog, who lives in Greece. His post will give you chills…
The story about the mum and her four children hit the hardest for all of us, I think…..
I cried when I was presented with an olive wreath, after running a race at the Stadium at Olympia.I cried when I read, saw and heard the tragedy of what has been happening in Greece.I cried again when I read your piece.Next comes the rebuilding and a cause for hope.
It will be rebuilt. One day soon, you must share with us the details of how you were presented with an olive wreath at Olympia. It sounds like it would be a wonderful story.
[isto é bom]
I just read today that aid to Greece is coming in from all parts of the world. I hope the government uses it wisely and well. I saw your 'smile box' with Sarita on your blog. really cute!
I shall save the story of Olympia for another day (it sounds more interesting than it was if I'm honest, a very spontaneous affair nothing formal – I was never an athlete).
Even still, it will be nice to hear a happy story about a Greek experience. We can use one right about now. My Cypriot friend is on holiday this weekend. When she gets back, I'll get those recommendations….. : )
Powerful text! I don't know how to thank you for the emotional support you provide with this!
I couldn't imagine how strong the word "nothing" is!
PS. The Mayor of Munich, Germany has announced that their municipality will help the reforestation and reconstruction of Ancient Olympia.
I had hoped that would be the emotion it would induce. I sincerely believe every word I wrote, by the way. There's a strength to the Hellenic people that won't be weakened by this lastest catastrophe. I had heard about Munich's mayor. Don't be surprised when others offer their help and monies, too. I submitted this essay to Athens News and told them they could print it for free, if they like. I'm hoping it will have the same effect on other people that it has on you. I'm going to impose on my son to help me translate it, because my Greek is not really up to speed and then I will submit it to Greek language papers as well. Hang in there, Elia. Things will get better. (If it helps, Greece isn't the only country that wasn't prepared for a disastor. Look at what the US did with New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina.
I hope that this text will get published in all major Greek newspapers. If you have any issues with the translation, don't hesitate to contact me. I will help you!!!
Wow. That's quite a compliment and an offer. Thank you, Ilia. I will see what I can do….
So well said. My heart goes out to Greece and its people for all they've lost.
We all have spots in the world that are special to us. One of mine is Greece, but I know other geographical spots have suffered worse devastation. I think that's why we can all relate when we hear about things like this, no matter where they take place.
Powerful and inspiring. I adore your sense of national Pride- you prove that it is the people, the folk, the communities and the rich history and belief in a strong nationalism that preserves culture, not merely the hard structures that are built. 'Tis true, what is resurrected, what regrows… the bone, when it regrows it is always more strong that it was before.
I appreciate your comments Michelley-Shell. I wanted to clarify that I am not a Greek national, though, just a philhellene. I lived in greece for seven years, got to know the people and the country and fell in love with all of it. It was devastating for me to read about the fires. But, we do have to keep in mind what you said.