pegasus - Anatolia

Transcription

pegasus - Anatolia
PEGASUS
A literary magazine by the students of
Anatolia College, Thessaloniki, Greece
2013-2015
The Pegasus Club
Contributors
Penelopie Anastassiadou, Class of 2015
Kyriakos Athanasiou, Class of 2016
Anastasia Aslanoglou, Class of 2015
Pantelis Bakatselos, Class of 2015
Penelopie Belidou, Class of 2015
Nazaret Britsiani, Class of 2015
Korina Charavitsidou, Class of 2016
Catherine Chatziagapiou, Class of 2016
Constantina Cheiladaki, Class of 2020
Nikoleta-Maria Christodoulou, Class of 2015
Ermina Damlamayian, Class of 2015
Ioanna Deroukaki, Class of 2019
Chris Choromidis, Class of 2019
Eleni Chryssoula Giamalidou, Class of 2015
Dimitris Efthimiadis, Class of 2019
Katerina Faka, Class of 2016
Zoe Gerani, Class of 2016
Helen Gemintzi, Class of 2015
Margarita Cleo Giannasidou, Class of 2015
Anastasis Gogousis, Class of 2014
Kostis Goulidis, Class of 2016
Pavlos Hatzisavvas, Class of 2016
Elena Iatropoulou, Class of 2015
Athina Kalaitzi, Class of 2015
Mina Kalenterian, Class of 2019
Alexander Kaplanidis, Class of 2020
Dimitris Karampas, Class of 2016
Myrto Katsikopoulou, Class of 2014
Georgia Koutsoura, Class of 2017
Stefania Kostoglou, Class of 2016
Evangelia Maria Kyrgioti, Class of 2015
Joanna Mandrinou, Class of 2016
Markos Markakis, Class of 2016
Alkmini Mokka, Class of 2015
Victor Moyssis, Class of 2015
Isimini Nasiopoulou, Class of 2019
Nikolaos Papachiou, Class of 2016
Maria-Eleni Pappa, Class of 2015
Asterios Parlitsis, Class of 2015
Maria Paschalidou, Class of 2016
Magda Petzmeza, Class of 2018
Panayiotis Podiotis, Class of 2015
Elpi Rentzeperi, Class of 2016
Christoforos Sakellaris, Class of 2015
Artemis Sartzetakis, Class of 2017
Magia Sevastopoulou, Class of 2016
Xenia Symeonidou, Class of 2015
Ageliki Siabin, Class of 2014
Kleomenis Spyrogloui, Class of 2020
Michelle Stoukides, Class of 2019
Maria Theodoridi, Class of 2019
Iliana Tsantilli-Reis, Class of 2015
Alexandra Tsitsilianou, Class of 2015
Dimitra Varvouti, Class of 2017
Eleni Vassiliou, Class of 2015
Eftychia Velevesli, Class of 2016
Demetra Zafiridou, Class of 2015
Evangelia Zambeti, Class of 2015
Konstantinos Zarzavatsakis, Class of 2016
Amalia Zlatanou, Class of 2016
Faculty Advisor
Ioanna Lymbou
In memory of Holly Marshall:
beloved and inspiring teacher who shall not be forgotten.
(1957-2014)
CONTENTS
Rain ………………………………………………………………………. Helen Gemintzi, Class of 2015……….…………………………………………………………. page 6
An Extremely Brainwashed Teenager……………………….. Helen Gemintzi, Class of 2015…………………………………………………………….…… page 6
Angel Khalia ….. ……………………………………………………… Myrto Katsikopoulou, Class of 2014 ………………………………………………………... pages 7-8
It’s in His Head ……………………………………………..……….. Ageliki Siabin, Class of 2014…………………………………………………………………….. pages 10-11
The Haunted House …………………………………..…………… Mina Kalenterian & Maria Theodoridi, Class of 2019…………………………………. pages 13-14
I Know that Everything………………………………….…………. Elena Iatropoulou, Class of 2015 …………………………………………………….…..……. page 15
The Line ………………………………………………………………… Elena Iatropoulou, Class of 2015 ……………………………………………………………... page 17
An Untitled Haiku……………………………………………….….. Magda Petzmeza, Class of 2018 ………………..……………………………………………….. page 18
Pain ……………………………………………………………………… Magda Petzmeza, Class of 2018 ………………..………………………………………………. page 18
A Silent Death ……………………………………………………….. Magda Petzmeza, Class of 2018 ………………..……….……………………………………… page 18
The Wind …………………………………………………………….. Magda Petzmeza, Class of 2018 ………………..…………………………………….………… page 18
My Name ………….…………………………………………………… Constantina Cheiladaki, Class of 2020………………………………………………..……… page 21
My Name …,,,,,,………………………………………………………. Alexander Kaplanidis, Class of 2020 ………………………………………………..………. page 21
An Easter Gathering…………………………………………………. Manhattan Theatre Club, Class of 2015 …………………………………………..…………. page 22-39
Penelopie Anastassiadou, Anastasia Aslanoglou, Pantelis Bakatselos, Penelopie Belidou, Nazaret Britsiani,
Nikoleta-Maria Christodoulou, Ermina Damlamayian, Eleni Chryssoula Giamalidou, Margarita Cleo
Giannasidou, Athina Kalaitzi, Evangelia Maria Kyrgioti, Alkmini Mokka, Maria-Eleni Pappa, Asterios
Parlitsis, Panayiotis Podiotis, Christoforos Sakellaris, Xenia Symeonidou, Iliana Tsantilli-Reis, Alexandra
Tsitsilianou, Eleni Vassiliou, Demetra Zafiridou, Evangelia Zambeti
All the World is a Chest Game………………………………….. Georgia Koutsoura, Class of 2017 …………………………………………………….……… page 41-42
Sound …………………………………………………………………… Kleomenis Spyrogloui, Class of 2020 …………….…………………………………..……… page 43
Big Details ……………………. …………………………………….. Nikolaos Papachiou, Class of 2016 ………...……………………………………….……….. page 45-49
My Zs …….……………………………………………………………. Michelle Stoukides, Class of 2019 …………………………………………………….…..….. page 50
My Childhood Bed …..……………………………………………. Nikolaos Papachiou, Class of 2016 ……………………………………………………..…….. page 51
My Guitar …………………………………………………………….. Ioanna Deroukaki, Class of 2019 ………………………………………………………………… page 52
Gold ……..…………………………………………………………….. Chris Choromidis, Class of 2019 …………………………..……………………..…………… page 53
The Terrified Soldier …………………………………………….
Nikolaos Papachiou, Class of 2016 …,,……………………..……………………………….. page 55
The Time Travelers ………………………………………………. Isimini Nasiopoulou, Class of 2019 ……………………………………………..…………….. page 57-59
The Course of Love ……………………………………………….. Manhattan Theatre Club, Class of 2016 …………………………………………………….. page 62-72
Korina Charavitsidou, Catherine Chatziagapiou, Katerina Faka, Zoe Gerani, Kostis Goulidis, Pavlos
Hatzisavvas, Dimitris Karampas, Stefania Kostoglou, Joanna Mandrinou, Markos Markakis, Maria
Paschalidou, Elpi Rentzeperi, Magia Sevastopoulou, Dimitra Varvouti, Eftychia Velevesli, Konstantinos
Zarzavatsakis, Amalia Zlatanou
Tales of the Serengeti …………………………………………….. Kyriakos Athanasiou, Class of 2016 ………………………………………………………….. page 79
Comic Strips …….. …………………………………………………. Dimitris Efthimiadis, Class of 2019…………………………………..…………………………. page 73-78
ILLUSTRATORS
Artemis Sartzetakis, Class of 2017
…………………………………………………………..… Cover, page 5, page 9, page 12, page 19, page 21, page 32, page 44, page 60
Anastasis Gogousis, Class of 2014
…………………………………………………………..… Page 11, page 14, page 40, page 54, page 55, page 56, page 61, page 80
Elena Iatropoulou, Class of 2015
…………………………………………………………..… Page 16
Page
Fade of Light…………………………………………………………… Victor Moyssis, Class of 2015 ………………………………………………………………..… page 4
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To live in the hearts of others …………………….…………..… Dimitra Varvouti, Class of 2017………………………………..………………………………… page 4
Death is the last chapter in time, but the first chapter in eternity.
Dimitra Varvouti, Class of 2016
Fade of Light
You used to be a beam of light
A statue of hope, an all-white knight
But now you’re gone, my dreams are too
And things like this can’t undo…
What we built was meant to last
But it’s been over since you’ve passed
I wonder what you’re thinking of
Observing us from far above
What I’d give for one last chance
To say goodbye and one last glance
Oh, this land made of wood, of farmers and cowmen
It won’t be the same without you by my side
Now’s your time to fade away
All your creations, they won’t go in vain
Now’s your time to fade away
And all your colors to turn to grey…
Victor Moyssis, Class of 2015
Page
She was an inspiring teacher, a caring mother, a lovely person. She would always enter the class
with a smile on her face, ready to expose herself in order to create new ways of learning. She would always
make us step out of our comfort zone and be ourselves, no matter how hard it was. I remember how she
always wanted to live near nature when she would retire. She was a person who knew how to appreciate the
little joys in life. Honestly, I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to be one of her
students.
However, I’m not going to repeat cliché expressions whose main purpose is to console those left
behind. I would like to talk about her, solely. I would like to talk about the scientifically verified shade of
death, and prove that she will always exist. According to the conservation of energy, her energy has not died.
I would like to remind the first law of thermodynamics; that no energy is created in the universe and none is
destroyed. All her energy, every vibration, every wave of every particle is still here, with us, converted in
other forms of energy. All the photons that ever bounced off her face, all the particles whose paths were
interrupted by her smile, hundreds of trillions of particles, created within her constellations of
electromagnetically charged neurons, whose energy will go on forever. I would like to speak about how
much of all our energy is given off as heat. The warmth that flowed through her in life is still here, still part
of all what we are.
We need not have faith; indeed, we shouldn’t have faith. Scientists have measured precisely the
conservation of energy and found it accurate, verifiable and consistent across space and time. Not a bit of her
is gone; she’s just less orderly…
Ms. Marshall you will always live inside us!
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“To live in the hearts of others is to never die”
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Page
The Rain
The whole world is moving around its own wet surface. It seems so fake; you can almost see
the beginning titles written on the bruised clouds. People are walking somewhere, followed by their
reflections on the road, and they all seem lost. They all feel lost – but at least they are going
somewhere. If any of them stopped their life, just for an hour, to walk a mile in your falling-apart
shoes among the rain puddles, you’re quite sure they would end up in a corner, writing the same
text.
These are the moments when it is so convenient to begin searching for the meaning of life,
while judging the humid lives of others. And you will need all your cynicism to conclude that it will
never be found. And maybe you should be standing up now and heading home. After all, at the end
of the day, everyone returns to the place they call home, where they feel warm and protected from
the rain – whatever their personal rain might be.
Thankfully, it doesn’t rain often here. It seems like the sky is providing its people with
bright sunlight, protecting them from being diagnosed with incurable self-realization.
Helen Gemintzi, Class of 2015
An Extremely Brainwashed Teenager with Sleeping Issues
White noise, blue noise, brown noise,
You can’t distinguish them. But you feel it.
You slept on your hand again, didn’t you?
Dried your eyes with radioactive dust, scrolling down, scrolling down.
You listened to that monotonous song, put your brain to sleep
Watched colors move on the screen,
Until you couldn’t keep up any more, till they stopped making sense.
Your head meets the wooden floor,
Simplicity at its finest, there’s only your cells and the wood’s.
Wood is organic, isn’t it?
You can’t answer questions like this now, you’ll find the answers to your questions tomorrow.
Good morning, honey,
I’m the sunlight creeping inside your room, uninvited, as always.
Helen Gemintzi, Class of 2015
Page
The rain is over. There’s only this one drop left monotonously attacking the same spot on
the ground. It seems like the blood that is spilled in sardonic, low-budget horror movies. The ones
with a very predictable and utterly pointless scenario. Exactly like the one that is going on before
your eyes, while you’re sitting in the middle of your teenage universe and on a dirty staircase. If
you analyze your reality, you can easily discern the director’s mistakes.
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(And its Effects on Human Psychology)
2014, January 16th
Dear diary,
Sometimes I think my mom is not my real mom. I know this may sound absurd, but if
you really think about it, it makes perfect sense. She used to be so sweet and kind to me all
those years. I remember how she held me in her arms after I was just born. The birth itself was
horrible; I was in terrible pain, I couldn’t breathe and I was desperate for air. But when my mom
held me for the first time, it all felt all right. I could feel her love and her tenderness, but now
she’s a whole new person. She’s always yelling and screaming at me. She even threatened me
that she was going to kick me out of the house once because she found a bottle of vodka in my
room. Big deal! I’m telling you, my dear diary, this can’t be my mom. Somebody, or most
probably, something, a spirit or possibly demon has possessed her body and wants to harm me!
I’m not sure yet, but it’s the only explanation I can give. I’ll more into it and I’ll keep you
informed.
Yours,
Jenna
2013, December 10th
Dear diary,
So, yesterday I figured it all out. I’m sorry I didn’t write as soon as I found out what the
deal with my “mother” is, but I was talking about it with the angels and the fairies. Angel
Khalia told me that it’s very possible that the bad spirits want to make me suffer because they
know how smart and powerful I am and they feel threatened by me. I don’t blame them to be
honest. If I knew somebody as intelligent as I was, I would feel jealous and threatened. However,
I’m scared… I know what the demons and the other evil spirits are capable of doing. The angels
have told me that they can make your life unbearable. I should find a way to make them leave
my mother’s body but I don’t know how I can do that. I think I will talk about it with Sam.
She’s my best friend, after all.
Yours,
Jenna
Page
2014, January 20th
Dear diary,
Today was not a good day. My parents have been very mean lately, but today they were
unbearable. They are especially grumpy and they shout at me all the time, telling me that I
should start studying if I want to get accepted to any colleges I’ve applied to. But they are so
silly. I don’t need to go to any university or college because I don’t need it. I will be terribly bored
by all the lame, boring, childish knowledge they can offer. I’m too smart for that. But my
parents don’t get it at all. Oh well, who needs their opinion anyway?
Yours,
Jenna
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Angel Khalia
Yours,
Jenna
2013, December 6th
Dear diary,
Today is a great day! I’m still a little bit upset because of Sam, but the great problem
that I’ve been having with my parents, especially my mom, is now gone for what I hope is
forever!
It all started when I woke up. I went to the kitchen to have some breakfast, but before I
could even drink some milk, my parents started yelling at me about not studying, drinking,
not taking my stupid, pointless medication, not visiting my doctor (I’m sure he’s possessed too)
and all that minor stuff. I was feeling very overwhelmed by the whole situation and I wanted to
explain to them that they should be grateful that they have such a great and smart daughter,
but they just wouldn’t stop. So then, Angel Khalia told me that it was the perfect time to kick
those demos and spirits out of my parents’ bodies, and I agreed, so I grabbed the kitchen knife
and stabbed the demons repeatedly. Now the demons have died, I’m sure about that. My parents’
bodies are lying still on the kitchen floor, but I expect that in an hour or two my real parents will
wake up. So, basically, my main problem is solved. I know because I’m really smart to the point
that I’m almost prophetic. Anyway, I can’t write anything else because I think I saw Sam
peaking from the window.
Yours,
Jenna
Myrto Katsikopoulou, Class of 2014
Page
Dear diary,
Today I went to Sam’s house because I wanted to tell her about the problems I’ve been
having with the spirits and my mother. I tried to explain to her as well as I could – the spirit
stuff is not always easily understood by people with a lower intelligence level than mine – but
she just couldn’t get it. She asked me all those random and irrelevant questions about how my
health is and whether I was taking any medication. She even asked me whether I feel that
something’s wrong with me! She’s not the only person to ask me these kinds of questions, but
the others do because they are trying to make me believe that I’m out of my mind. I thought she
was my real friend, but apparently she just wants to also make my life miserable. I told her that
I know she is jealous of my many virtues, but since we have known each other for so long, she
should at least try to behave like a friend. Then, something strange happened... She called me
“honey” and “sweety” and she held my hand. She even caressed my hair!! Does she think that
she’s going to trick me into trusting her by being flirty, she’s the one who’s out of her mind. I
mean, I’m not even interested in girls, why would she think I am? Anyway, I told her that she is
very naïve if she thinks I’m going to fall for her tricks and that I know that she doesn’t want
me to be as happy and successful as I deserve to be. She tried to apologize or whatever, I stormed
off without listening to another word. I’m not speaking to her ever again.
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2013, December 8th
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Page
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen, I am the new manager and I am
here to reassure you that with me in charge, your money is safe.”
People were staring and some of the clerks called security, but he went on.
“Thank you, thank you very much! Now that my duties are equal to my
potentials, I’m going to do everything to keep them away. I’ll be here day
and night to make sure none of those evil policemen even get close to this
bank. I know you want me to protect you! Not to worry, I’d rather die than
let them set foot in here, believe me!”
Then, two men in a uniform came and asked him to leave.
“Oh! And here are my two brave guards ensuring I don’t get in harm’s way.”
he said as he left the bank.
I was shocked! To tell you the truth, I had noticed this weird behaviour over
the last few months, but I couldn’t imagine it would get this bad.
June 12, 2012
Today I managed to get him out of the closet for lunch and we ate together.
It’s been two weeks now that he only comes out of it at night. He keeps saying
they told him that it is the only place where he can be safe.
“So tell me who are these people that you need to hide from?” I asked him
“But the policemen, of course. They want me to be out of the picture, so that
they can steal all the money,” he replied.
“Whose money?”
“I don’t know, everyone’s. But as long as I’m here they won’t have the power
to do it.”
“Why so?”
“Ha! Because I’m keeping it all in here,” he said pointing to his head.
“The money? In your head?”
“Yes, it’s the only place they can’t touch. Besides, the others suggested it, so it
must be the best location.”
“What others?”
“You know, you’ve seen them. They often come and give me advice.”
“And how do you know they are not policemen or if I am?” I asked curiously.
Page
March 26, 2012
Today I followed him to work. As soon as he found a cab, I got in the car
and followed him. It was only a couple of minutes later when I realized we
were nowhere near the gas station where he works. At 10:20 the taxi driver
stopped outside the bank where my brother went inside. I entered the bank as
well after awhile, only to see him in the middle of a group of people, talking
loudly. I came closer and tried to hear what he said.
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It’s in His Head
Ageliki Siabin, Class of 2014
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After that conversation, I’m really freaked out. He is in danger. I might be as
well. He really has to get help, but how am I supposed to tell him that? Day by
day he is getting worse. Only a miracle can save him from this madness.
Page
“But I can tell because I can read their minds. The other day a man stopped
me and tried to sell me these matches, but I knew they were marked and had
a tracking device so that they can find me. I’m telling you, they can’t fool
me. It’s impossible!”
“Well, what can I say?”
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Page
Time passed and their two children, James and Tom, were playing together in
the attic, upstairs. Suddenly, James, who was the younger brother, heard a
strange sound coming from the basement. James always believed in ghosts
and spirits and this was one of the reasons the others were laughing at him
just like his brother Tom was now heard laughing at him. .His parents never
cared for him and Tom, so they didn’t know anything about his beliefs. James
told his brother that he was sure that something or even someone was
responsible for the strange sound. Tom, as always, started laughing at his
young brother. The same sound was heard again and again but Tom just
didn’t care, despite James’s warning. Even when James said that he will go to
explore the basement, Tom didn’t show any interest. So they just continued
playing.
At night and hours later while everyone was sleeping, James descended into
the basement. Using his flashlight, he saw door at the end of the corridor
which was all covered with cobwebs. At first, he was afraid of opening the
door but finally he decided that only by doing this will he prove to the others
that his beliefs are true. Reluctantly, he turned the door knob and slowly
opened it. As it opened, the door made a creepy sound that made James even
more scared than he already was. Walking slowly, he went into the room and
started looking around. He saw a skull, a lit candle as well as a piece of paper
with something written on it. Before he managed to see details and explore the
room that nobody else knew existed a little more, the candle and his flashlight
went out. Some quiet seconds passed by and everything went completely dark
and then something behind him grabbed him.
The next morning everyone was there but James. The whole family believed
that he was playing a game and he was hiding or something like that, but
hours passed and they soon realized that it was something else must be the
matter. They spent a lot of time searching for him, but he was just nowhere to
be found. Then Tom remembered what James had told him the previous night.
He decided to explain everything to his parents once everything had finished.
He immediately went down to the basement and after having crossed the
hallway, opened the door. Tom only managed to notice the skull and then he
quickly got out of the room and closed the door. He ran upstairs and tried to
calm down since he was extremely scared. Tom spent hours thinking about
what the skull could mean, but no answer was to be found. The most serious
Page
It was Saturday evening when the Brown family moved to their new house. It
was an old, big house with two floors and a basement. Many years had
passed since someone lived there, but the Browns didn’t know that.
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The Haunted House
Mina Kalenterian & Maria Theodoridi, Class of 2019
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Everything began from the moment that Shane (Williams) used to live in this
house with Arabella, his one and only love. But Arabella left him and got
married to another rich man. Shane couldn’t tolerate this, so one day, he
called Arabella and her fiancé to his house for dinner. He killed both of them
and after this he killed himself too. Since that fateful day, the 13th of November
1766, his spirit remained in the house, haunting every room and taking
revenge on every single person who dared disturb him. Tom noticed that the
writer of this article was a person who investigated this house and died the
same day he wrote it. Everything was too strange to be true, but Tom could
not do anything and see whether everything was a rumor or was the truth.
Deep inside he wished for all this to just be a joke. Tom reluctantly descended
into the basement, and came in the same way like the last time then opened
the rusty door. He had never been more frightened than he was at that
moment. All of a sudden, he witnessed a scary face approaching him and as
he grew more nervous, he realized that his little brother was the one that
approached him. And while it was his brother in appearance, it was not in
spirit. There was definitely something altered about the boy’s exterior;
something wickedly different. Indeed, it seemed that James was possessed by
the evil spirit that was doomed to destroy every family that moved to this
house.
Page
problem was that his young brother was also missing and it was important for
him to take immediate action before it was too late. Tom searched everywhere
he could to find who the owner of the house was. His name was Shane
Williams, but nothing strange or important was found about him. But Tom
didn’t stop searching. He would do everything he could do to save his little
brother who he loved so much. It was late at night when tom read the last
article about Williams which was also the last hope for Tom to find what was
going on. Only after reading it, was he finally able to understand the reason
for the events.
I feel like someone ripped my heart out,
cased it in a frozen iron cast
and threw it in the fire.
My heart burns, but doesn’t melt
It feels like someone squeezed me so hard
That my bowels and intestines got dislodged,
and now I can barely eat.
It’s like someone made my dream come true the one moment,
and destroyed it the next.
At least I had it for a short while, in some way
It’s like my throat is closed off to air
And water can only be drunk through my nose.
Even sparkling water burns my eyes.
It’s like someone kissed me,
then slapped me hard straight after,
as if to awake me from a dream.
It’s like someone told me they loved me,
But then took the words back
And tossed them to the ground.
It’s like the butterflies in my stomach,
transformed back into worms
and squiggled their way out through my ears
It’s like someone
poisoned
ripped out
stabbed
crushed
strangled
Killed
My heart
my ears my eyes
my nose
my throat
my soul
And then kept on being a “friend’’
Elena Iatropoulou, Class of 2015
Page
But what about this moment?
What about right now?
Because right now I feel
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I know that everything will work out just fine
And that I will have worried over nothing,
or at least I will have gotten over it by then.
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Page
The Line
Maybe there is no line.
Or there is one in different places,
depending on the person who looks.
The line could be thick or thin.
It could be long and round, short and easy to surpass.
The line could be wavy and soft.
It could be simple to smash, hard to defeat.
There always is a line.
It will depend on the person.
On the situation.
It will depend on the environment.
On the belief.
The line is there.
Sometimes we cross over the line.
Even though we’re not aware of it
Or we might be willing to take the risk and jump .
The line is not always visible.
We don’t know on which side of the line we are.
We may pass the mark and win.
Win everything we wished for.
Crossing the line might be good.
The line is not always perceivable,
Right and wrong might be one,
everyone is different
and we all are the same.
Is what we’re doing right?
Or is what we’re doing wrong?
Can anyone judge that...
How close to the line are we?
Or how far away?
Can we even see it...
Elena Iatropoulou, Class of 2015
Page
Why do we always have to do the right thing?
And who knows what’s the right thing to do?
Where is the line between right or wrong?
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Where is the line? And what is it?
An Untitled Haiku
I’m starting to rot
Magda Petmeza, Class of 2018
Haiku
I close my eyes and
I see black, I open them just
To see even darker colors
Magda Petmeza, Class of 2018
Pain
I can feel the pain
Crawling inside my skin, damaging
Everything that comes its way
Magda Petmeza, Class of 2018
A Silent Death
A silent death is when
Your soul is dead but your body
Doesn’t let it go away
Magda Petmeza, Class of 2018
The Wind
Then wind is slowly wrapping
His cold fingers around my body keeping
Me warm inside a cold blanket
Magda Petmeza, Class of 2018
Page
A cage that isn’t mine and
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My soul is trapped inside
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Page
Constantina. It was my grandmother’s name and now it's mine. When she passed away two years
before my birth she left a lot of things that remind us of her. She was beautiful and dressed well.
There was something special about her that reminds you of a queen. She was a sensitive woman,
just like me. I cry a lot when I read something sad and she cried too. I have inherited her name and
her love of literature, too.
At school, my friends call me with a shorter version part of my name like “Ntina”, “Constans” or
“Cons”. The name “Ntina” reminds me of my previous school and my old classmates, because
that’s how they used to call me. But I prefer the name “Constans” and “Cons”, because they reflect
the real me, the one that only my friends can see.
Constantina Cheiladaki, Class of 2020
In Greek my name means the man who drives away the enemies. It means someone brave, like
Alexander the Great himself. A name with history, a powerful one. The color of fire, just like the
color of my father's cheeks when he is running.
It was my great-grandfather's name and now it is mine. Born like me, in March - the time of year
when snow melts and flowers blossom - just like me! My Great-grandfather. I would've liked to
have known him. A kind man, so kind and so patient, everybody loved him, my great-grandmother
especially.
And the story goes, being as brave as what his name suggested, he fought during the Second World
War, the way so many brave men did too. I wonder if he made his name or if the name made him?
Alexander....
At school my name is always cut in half. It is never the complete four syllables! Alex seems easier,
faster, and makes a better sound. But they never add the ending "-is", and they don’t call me
Alexis because it is a different name which is celebrated on a different day.
I wouldn't like to change my name. It is the real me. My history. My family. Something like me,
myself and I!!!
Alexander Kaplanidis, Class of 2020
Page
My name has the sound of the arrow that's left the bow. It's the sound of two swords that hit one
another. It has the unheard sound of the spy who moves carefully, without making a noise. It's a
color between blue and green. It sounds like the stories that my grandma used to tell me on the cold
days of winter.
20---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
My Name
(based on Sandra Cisneros’s “My Name”)
21---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Page
Antigone Papastavrou is the main character of our story. She is the
eldest child of the family and the one with the most significant role. At
the beginning of the play, she is a regular Greek teenager, aged 14 and a
half years old and cares primarily for herself. During the play, however,
her attitude changes as she grows up and becomes more responsible.
Penelope Papastavrou is Antigone and Mark’s mother as well as Harry’s
wife. She is also the Sultana’s daughter. Aged 40 years old, she is
determined and strong. Fed up that she cannot find a job in Greece as an
architect and worried that bills won’t be able to be paid, she decides to
leave the country in order to bring money back for her family.
Harry Papastavrou is Antigone and Mark’s father as well as Penelope’s
husband. He’s 45 years old and is a kind man. He feels that he should be
the breadwinner of the family but can’t find a full-time job. He works
part time doing construction work at a company that does renovations.
Mark Papastavrou is Antigone’s younger brother and a primary school
student aged 10. He loves soccer and is a sensitive boy though he can get
aggressive at times.
Sultana Karoglou is Penelope’s mother. She’s 78 years old and used to
live in Constantinople. She’s an affectionate, strong and proud woman but
is often nostalgic. She is an educated woman with a strong faith and
beliefs. Sultana secretly believes that her daughter is too good for
Harry.
George Papastavrou is Harry's brother. He is an architect like Penelope
and works as a lecturer. He’s a handsome man aged 40 and is charismatic
and charming. He doesn’t have a family of his own and that’s why he loves
his niece very much. He will help the family when Penelope leaves and he
is the one the kids love the most.
Both Act 1 and Act 2 take place in the Papastavrou’s home during Easter.
We encounter the characters on Holy Saturday as they are preparing for
Easter celebrations and we meet them again in the second act on Holy
Saturday once more as they return from church service (which customary
takes place at night of that evening). Five years pass between Act 1 and
Act 2.
Page
The play was performed by Ashland High School (Oregon, USA) for
Anatolia College on the 13th of May, 2014.
22---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
An Easter Gathering
SULTANA (lost in her thoughts): Oh, you would have liked Easter in
Constantinople. It was dreamlike! We would prepare baklava and sormades…
(Penelope hears her cellphone ring and quickly answers it on the other
side of the room. Sultana continues talking, paying no attention to her
daughter’s conversation.)
The new generation only cares about what to wear and have fun. How I miss
those days! Your father… Do you remember when we used to dye the eggs
together, just like we do now, when you were little? Ah, you were always
so keen on dying them using five different colours. Your father would go
out of his way to buy the colours you wished for every year.
(Sultana gets teary eyed.Penelope turns round and tries to continue as
normal.)
PENELOPE (forced smile): Really? I can only recall being mad at you and
dad for hiding all the chocolate candy from me!
SULTANA: What else was I supposed to do? You ate chocolate faster than I
could bring it!
PENELOPE: Oh, come on! You’re exaggerating.
SULTANA: You couldn’t go a day without eating it.
(thoughtful pause)
I always used to think you were as sweet as all the chocolate in the
world.
PENELOPE (teasing): And I’m no longer sweet then?
SULTANA: Oh, you still are, my dear. I just worry about you.
PENELOPE: Oh mother, you’ve always been so overprotective.
SULTANA: How can I not be concerned about you? Ever since you married
that…
PENELOPE: Don’t start on Harry again.
SULTANA: The man can’t even hold down a job.
PENELOPE: It’s not his fault we’re going through the worst crisis in
Greece.
SULTANA: Stop using the economic crisis as an excuse. He hasn’t brought
much money into the household for as long as I can remember.
PENELOPE: There are never any job openings!
SULTANA: He should be the one to bring money into the household.
Page
(It’s Holy Saturday and Sultana and Penelope are in the in the kitchen
dying the Easter eggs)
23---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
ACT 1
but
your
main
priority
should
be
to
worry
about
the
PENELOPE: Speaking of jobs and things to be done where’s that
granddaughter of yours? She should’ve been here about twenty minutes ago
to give us a hand. Dear Lord, what am I going to do with that girl?
Antigone! (calling out)
These eggs won’t dye themselves you know, where are you? Antigone!
(Antigone enters the room)
ANTIGONE: What mom? What are you shouting about?
PENELOPE: We’ve been waiting for you to come and help us. Where have you
been?
ANTIGONE: Oh come on mum, you couldn’t have meant that. I mean, I’m on
holiday. It’s the Easter Break for crying out loud. I’m going out.
SULTANA: What?
PENELOPE (irritated): Out? Are you serious? It’s Holy Saturday, people
are meant to stay at home with their families, not go out!
SULTANA: When I was your age I would cook, study and be responsible. I
would never even dream of thinking of leaving my family during such
festivities.
ANTIGONE: Things have changed
SULTANA: But when I was your age…
ANTIGONE(sarcastic):Yes, in 1821…!
PENELOPE: Antigone! You can’t speak like that to your grandmother!
ANTIGONE: Oh please come on now! I don’t have homework, why can’t I go
out? I’ll be back soon in time for this family thing.
PENELOPE: Some people don’t even have food and a roof over their heads
and you’re complaining about going out.
ANTIGONE: Please mum!
PENELOPE: Aaaa… Who is that special someone you are going out to see
again? Is it John?
ANTIGONE: John who?
PENELOPE: That handsome son of Ms. Toka… you know… that classmate of
yours.
ANTIGONE: Handsome? Are you blind? He is not even my age!
Page
SULTANA: Yes,
children.
24---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
PENELOPE: It should also be my job. I mean, I’ve been out of work for two
years. Two years mom…
PENELOPE: So you are going out with him then?
(she smirks) I wouldn’t mind you going out with him
ANTIGONE: Come on mom, he is just a friend! So will you give me the money
I need? I already owe Anna money from the last time!
PENELOPE: Ah, Anna. She’s such a nice girl. It’s been ages since you last
invited her over.
ANTIGONE: Yeah, that’s true.
PENELOPE: You know. She loved my mousaka. She ate two whole pieces the
last time she was here.
ANTIGONE: Yes, but that’s no reason to make mousaka every time she comes
over.
PENELOPE: Why? Don’t you like my mousaka?
ANTIGONE: Mom! Stop changing the topic! Are you going to give me some
money?
PENELOPE: Tell your father to give you dear. My hands are dirty at the
moment.
(Antigone rushes out)
PENELOPE: (shouting out at her as she’s leaving) So, who are you going
out with, then?
ANTIGONE: (Shouting from within) Jesus, mom!!
(Antigone enters the living room. Harry and Mark are watching TV, Mark is
also playing a game at the same time.)
ANTIGONE: Dad. Could I talk to you please?
HARRY: Hello, dear
ANTIGONE: Dad, it’s urgent and I’m in a hurry
(Harry is still absorbed. Does not respond)
ANTIGONE: Daaad!
MARK: He is obviously ignoring you!
ANTIGONE: I got that! (Antigone then stands in front of the TV)
HARRY: Oh dear, can you please move away from the screen?
ANTIGONE: Mom said that you would give me some money.
Page
PENELOPE: Ooook…
though.
25---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
ANTIGONE: No mom! Of course not!
ANTIGONE (mocking): hahahaha. Can I have some money please? I need it!
HARRY (still watching the screen): With the taxes increasing at such a
rate not even the banks can give you money. Damn it, who voted for these
losers.
ANTIGONE: Dad, the girls are waiting for me and I also need to get ready.
HARRY (Digs into his pocket) Alright, alright… If I call, make sure to
answer your phone.
ANTIGONE (leaves quickly): OK!
MARK: Say hi to John for me!
HARRY: Who’s John?
ANTIGONE (leaving): Bye Dad!!!
(Harry gets up and walks into the kitchen.)
HARRY: You are not going to believe what happened today at work…
What?
HARRY: While we were breaking down this wall, you wouldn’t guess what we
found?
You found something in a wall?
HARRY: Yes! Someone must have created a kind of safe.
ANTIGONE: You found hidden treasure then!
HARRY: More like old junk. Knicknacks, some dolls and old letters… It
must have been a girl’s room.
ANTIGONE: Still sounds very interesting…
HARRY: All that dust for nothing!
SULTANA: Well, a man has to work!
(Harry takes out a beer from the fridge.)
SULTANA: A beer? It’s not even nightfall yet.
HARRY: These are festive moments. It’s the resurrection of Christ!
SULTANA: He hasn’t been resurrected… yet. A good Christian would know
that only after midnight are we allowed to celebrate.
Page
(Mark laughs)
26---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
HARRY (To Mark): And this is why you should be careful when dealing with
women.
I’ll get some later.
SULTANA: I’ll go to the store and get some now.
(Sultana leaves and Harry and Penelope are left alone in the kitchen)
HARRY: Oh, I’m exhausted. Have you seen the news? They want to introduce
a new tax.
PENELOPE: It doesn’t help that I’m not working…
(Penelope thinks for a while)
You know what? Remember that time in college when I lost my temper with
Professor Malliotakis. Well, I still think that if this fight hadn’t
happened I would have many more job opportunities than I do now.
HARRY: Yes, perhaps. But you couldn’t help it honey. He brought up a very
sensitive subject. Anybody would’ve gotten offended if spoken to in such
a way. Especially you. Your family means the world to you. Unacceptable…
talking about families like that.
PENELOPE:
I should have controlled myself.
HARRY: Yeah and look at me. I’ve never stood up to anyone in my life and
that’s how it turned out.
PENELOPE:
I still believe there are ways in which we can improve our
situation.
HARRY: Yes, like moving to Dubai for example.
PENELOPE:
Why not?
HARRY: I think we have discussed this before.
PENELOPE:
Yes, and I thought you’ve understood…
HARRY: Well…
PENELOPE: I have decided to move to Dubai.
HARRY: But Penelope…
PENELOPE: Harry, let’s face it. We need this job.
HARRY: When we talked about it. I doubted that you would take it so
seriously.
PENELOPE: But it’s killing me not being able to contribute to this
family. And you know it!
HARRY: Of course, I do. But this isn’t the only way to face it.
Page
PENELOPE:
27---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
(looking around, turns to Penelope) I think we need some more dill, this
isn’t going to be enough for the soup.
PENELOPE: So what else can we do?
HARRY: You cannot mean it. Running after jobs wears me out, as well.
PENELOPE (sarcastically): Tell that to the bankers.
HARRY: And you can tell the kids you’re leaving!
PENELOPE: I will… but I’ll need your help.
HARRY: Why don’t you ask George? (sarcastically)
PENELOPE: What do you mean by that?
HARRY: You know very well what I’m talking about.
PENELOPE: I’ve told you a thousand times your brother tries his best to
help us out. We should be more grateful.
HARRY: Yes, helped you want to leave.
PENELOPE: All he did was show me an ad!
HARRY: And you responded to it.
PENELOPE: We need to focus on what we are going to do.
HARRY: But you have decided to leave.
PENELOPE: So you aren’t going to stand by me, then…
HARRY: Of course, I will. But think about your family, think about us.
PENELOPE: I am! And I’m sad about it, but…
HARRY: But your decision will destroy us.
PENELOPE: Don’t ever say that again! We are almost bankrupt Harry. The
bank will take our house.
HARRY: No. I can’t allow this…We need you more, not money!
PENELOPE: Harry, please be serious! HARRY: I am!
PENELOPE: It’s not something
situations as best we can.
I
chose
to
do.
We
have
to
deal
with
(awkward pause)
HARRY: Well, if there’s no other choice…
PENELOPE: This is the best solution. I’ll go and send you as much money
as I can and I’ll come visit! OK?
Page
PENELOPE: All words, no action…
28---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
HARRY: If we try harder, we will solve it together.
HARRY: You will visit often, right? Promise me…
I know it’s difficult, and it’s even more difficult for me to leave but
this is where the circumstances have led us.
HARRY (is distant, doesn’t hug her back): You are leaving Penelope. Maybe
you haven’t realized that that our family will fall apart! And we have to
tell the kids … somehow.
PENELOPE (hesitatingly): Yeah, we should.
(silence)
HARRY: The kids will feel abandoned.
PENELOPE: They’ll understand when they’re older.
HARRY: I hope so.
(Penelope storms out teary eyed. Soon after, Sultana walks in with a
shopping bag and takes out the fresh dill and places it on the table.
Harry has a puzzled look on his face.)
SULTANA: Yes, now we can get down to business.
(Looks around) Where are the kids?
HARRY (slightly annoyed): I’m fine, thanks for asking…How about you?
(Avoiding Harry, Sultana takes the dill out of the shopping bag and gets
ready to work.
SULTANA: Oh, I’m fine. I just have a problem with my TV. The antenna
doesn’t seem to be working.
HARRY: I could come by and have a look at it if you like.
SULTANA: No, don’t worry about it. I’ll get a technician to come and fix
it.
(She looks around for Penelope)
Where is my daughter? Wasn’t she here a minute ago?
HARRY: She didn’t feel very well, she went to rest.
SULTANA: Why, is she sick?
HARRY: No, something happened while you were out…
SULTANA: What? Tell me… Is something the matter?
HARRY (sighing): Penelope is leaving for Dubai.
Page
(She tries to hug him but he turns his back. She’s devastated.)
29---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
PENELOPE: I promise I will.
SULTANA (suddenly snaps out of it): What??
(Penelope walks in)
PENELOPE (as if she’s been caught out): They aren’t lies mother… I assume
he…
SULTANA: You’re leaving! … For Dubai? To do what? What could you possibly
do there?
PENELOPE: Work, mother.
SULTANA: What do you mean, work? You have a job. To take care of your
family.
PENELOPE: Yes, but…
SULTANA: Work? I didn’t send you to university so that you can leave the
country for … “work”.
PENELOPE: Mom, there aren’t any jobs…
(Sultana shakes her head in disagreement)
PENELOPE: I’d make five times the amount of money I’d make here even if I
found a job…
(The children hear the commotion and walk into the kitchen)
MARK: What’s going on?
ANTIGONE (irritated): We can’t even get ready in peace without being
disturbed around here.
SULTANA: Let your father tell you!
HARRY: Go back to your rooms, everything is fine.
ANTIGONE: Well, I was just about to go out.
PENELOPE: Harry…
(Penelope reaches out to him, gesturing him to help her)
HARRY (nods his head):Ok everyone, let’s just take a seat. Your mother
and I have something to tell you…
(Everyone sits down. Mark sits on Harry’s lap)
MARK (seems scared): Why are you fighting?
(Harry hugs Mark and calms him down)
Page
SULTANA: For God’s sake, don’t lie to me (calls out for Penelope)
Penelope! Penelope! What lies are these that your husband’s telling me?
30---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
HARRY (repeats this slower): Penelope’s leaving for Dubai.
PENELOPE: No, darling. I’m afraid you can’t.
MARK: Does this mean you’ll miss
tournament? It’ll be the final game!
me
playing
in
the
local
soccer
PENELOPE: Well…
ANTIGONE (interrupting Penelope): Mom you can’t just leave! We need you
here… I need you!
HARRY: I will be here for you.
(Giving in)I promise. Everything will be alright.
(Penelope mouths “thank you” and smiles at Harry)
ANTIGONE (to Mark): Well, I guess she’ll be missing out on quite a few
things Mark.
(Antigone leaves the room crying. Harry and the kids remain behind in
silence. The doorbell rings, Sultana opens the door and George enters)
GEORGE (unaware of what has occurred): Why aren’t you guys ready yet?
Isn’t it time for us to go to Church.
31---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
MARK (confused): Could I come with you?
Page
PENELOPE: Well, as you know, Greece is facing an economic crisis and many
families are facing serious problems because of this situation...
(To Mark) It's difficult for us to buy toys for you honey and you know
what our financial situation is like at the moment. (to Antigone). So we
have made a big decision that will help us stand on our feet and live
more comfortably. So what we decided is that mommy will move to Dubai for
a short time. (Children look worried) I’m not going to leave for long! I
promise! And everything will be much better.
32---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Page
SULTANA: Thank God I have you to help me now that my daughter is away.
You’re an angel
ANTIGONE: Oh Grandma, you’re exaggerating!
SULTANA: Everybody has abandoned me except for you. (Sultana gets teary
eyed.) Let’s sit here. Opalakia.
ANTIGONE (helping her): Here you go grandma.
SULTANA: Don’t forget to put the tablecloth on the table first!
ANTIGONE: Yes grandmaaaa!
SULTANA: Can you smell the magiritsa? Oh, how I remember Easter in
Constantinople when I was a little girl…
ANTIGONE (not paying much attention): Indeed! Where should I put the
eggs?
SULTANA: We’ll get them later.
ANTIGONE: OK
(Pause) Grandma, were you the one to cook and prepare the Easter meal in
your family?
SULTANA: Those were different times, my child. We didn’t have enough
money but we always had one another.
ANTIGONE: Well, at least we have the money now…
SULTANA: Having your mother’s money isn’t the same thing as having your
mother here though…
ANTIGONE: It’s OK. We need to learn to manage things on our own.
SULTANA: Oh, I know that you miss her.
ANTIGONE: Mark misses her the most.
SULTANA: He’s a strong boy.
(Antigone continues setting the table)
SULTANA (looking up): Don’t forget to take out the fine dinnerware.
(Harry and Mark enter; they see Antigone setting the table. Antigone and
Sultana stop talking)
Page
(It’s Holy Saturday, evening. The Pappastavrous are just coming in from
Church service). Sultana walks into the living room arm in arm with
Antigone. They walk over to the dining room, which is connected with the
living room.)
33---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
ACT 2
ANTIGONE: Mark can you please fetch the bread from the kitchen?
HARRY (trying to calm them down): Oh, come on you guys. I’ll help you.
ANTIGONE (smiles at her father): Thanks, Dad.
(Harry passes the dining room to get to the kitchen. Sultana is already
seated and Mark and Harry follow. They sit down. Antigone rushes in and
out of the kitchen, bringing dishes and placing them on the table.)
SULTANA: Now, where is that scarf of mine, I must have left it at church.
HARRY: Mother dear, I’m sure you didn’t take a scarf with you.
MARK: Grandma, are you starting to forget stuff?
HARRY: It’s only a piece of fabric; we’ll get a new and better one.
MARK: Was it a red one?
SULTANA: Yes, it was the one Penelope gave me as a present before she
left.
(She tries to remember where she left it.)
ANTIGONE (entering the room with a scarf and a bottle of wine): Is this
the scarf you were talking about?
SULTANA: Oh yes, thank you! You were right Mark. (starts giggling) I'm
starting to forget things.
ANTIGONE: You’re welcome grandma.
(The doorbell rings, no one gets up to open for George, so Antigone
rushes to the door, still holding the bottle of wine)
ANTIGONE (hugs him): Uncle George!
GEORGE (smiling): Hello, hello! What’s with the wine? Someone’s ready to
party!
ANTIGONE: Not really… If only there was any time for that. Preparing the
entire dinner really wore me out!
GEORGE: Well you can start relaxing and enjoy the evening!
(George sits at the table with the others; Antigone prepares one last
dish in the kitchen.)
HARRY: Hey you! It’s been ages; Antigone has seen more of you than the
rest of us lately. How are you?
Page
ANTIGONE: I’m already holding two plates!
34---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
MARK: But you’re going in that direction anyway.
GEORGE: So, how are things? How is work?
HARRY: Well, you know how it is? It’s an exhausting job, but hey it’s
work.
Has it picked up?
HARRY: Sometimes the company doesn’t have any houses to renovate and then
they call us non-stop. But never mind me, what’s up with you? Where have
you disappeared off to?
GEORGE: Oh, the usual. Work, drinks with friends. I actually went and saw
a lovely movie the other night.
HARRY (teasing): Alone?
GEORGE: Wouldn’t you like to find out?
HARRY (laughing): Oh, I would!
(George looks at Antigone who is getting the dinner table set.)
GEORGE: Is Antigone okay?
HARRY:
What do you mean?
GEORGE: Well, she looks kind of down. Has she still not gotten over
failing the Panhellenic Exams?
HARRY:
I don’t think so. But she’s studying again to take the exams.
GEORGE: I know. She’s got her heart set on architecture.
MARK: I would have wanted her to go into a different field. We can’t all
be architects in this family!
GEORGE: Oh really! (begins laughing) And would you like to study when you
complete school?
MARK: I don’t know… Maybe something that has to do with sports.
GEORGE: You’ve always loved your soccer.
HARRY: And he’s very good at it too!
GEORGE: Well, who knows? Maybe you’ll be playing for PAOK one day!
(Antigone enters the room and joins the rest of the family.)
Page
HARRY: Yes, Antigone really did do a great job with the dinner by the
looks of things.
35---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
GEORGE: Me? Well, everything’s under control so you could say I’ve got
nothing to complain about… (looks at the table) Mmmmm, this all looks so
good.
Antigone, it looks like you’re ready to take care of your own husband
now!
(Antigone smiles and shakes her head.)
MARK: I’m sure that will make Nick very happy!
SULTANA: Nick? Who’s Nick? Oh, Antigone. Remember, it’s nice to flirt but
wait for marriage!
HARRY: I’m sure Antigone knows what she’s doing.
ANTIGONE: Thanks Dad. Finding love is more important.
MARK: Oooh, I’ve got goose bumps.
SULTANA: What are you trying to say Antigone?
ANTIGONE (looking at her dad and trying to change the subject): So…
HARRY: Let’s make a toast! To these happy family moments!
SULTANA (looks at George): Who invited him?
GEORGE (pays no attention to the comment): It’s nice that we’re all
gathered here like this.
HARRY: Yes, family gatherings are important.
MARK (sarcastic): If we were all gathered here that would be nice.
HARRY: Oh, you know your mom said she was going to make it for Easter.
(Mark doesn’t seem to be eating his soup.)
GEORGE (to Mark): Try eating your soup with some lemon juice. It will get
tastier.
MARK (to Antigone): Can you bring me a cut lemon?
ANTIGONE: No.
GEORGE: I think you can go and get it yourself.
MARK: Well, I don’t need a lemon then!
(Antigone sighs, leaves and returns with a lemon.)
SULTANA: Your cooking is just like your mom’s. Even better!
MARK: (mutters under his breath) Yeah right. I doubt that.
Page
(We hear sounds of agreement by everyone else.)
36---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
SULTANA: I’m so proud of you Antigone! You cooked everything by yourself.
It looks so delicious. Doesn’t everyone agree?
ANTIGONE: Ask Mark about it.
MARK: Oh, she’s just kidding granny.
ANTIGONE: I am. Just like Mark always is!
MARK (whispers in Antigone’s ear): I can’t believe that you were going to
tell them!
ANTIGONE (whispering): I won’t! But don’t you think that they will find
out sooner or later? Your clothes stink! I’m surprised that you can even
breathe in your room from all the smoke.
HARRY: Stop fighting you guys.
SULTANA: If my daughter were here none of this would be happening.
GEORGE (tries to lighten the mood): There are two eggs in a frying pan
and the one says “Oh my God it’s too hot in here” and the other one says,
“Oh my God, an egg that talks!”… Hilarious, isn’t it?
SULTANA: We haven’t cracked the eggs yet!
MARK: I want the strongest one.
HARRY: Yes, let’s get the eggs.
(They bump the eggs.)
SULTANA (to George): What did you do to my egg?
GEORGE: Oh, come on. This is what always happens!
MARK: Dad broke my egg.
ANTIGONE: And you broke mine…
SULTANA: I love Easter. It feels like it’s the only time we get the
chance to come together.
ANTIGONE: I’m so tired.
MARK: You can’t be the only one who’s tired?
ANTIGONE: I’ve been preparing things for hours today.
MARK: Calm down Jamie Oliver.
ANTIGONE: Stop mocking me.
MARK: Is it so hard to put meat in a pot and boil it? I think not.
Page
SULTANA (suddenly interested): What are you saying?
37---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
ANTIGONE (hears this): You do nothing else but play on your computer all
day. You spend all your time on Facebook and do other things that I can’t
even mention…
SULTANA: Mark! That’s no way to speak to your sister!
talk as if she's dead!
(Awkward pause)
GEORGE: So Antigone, I hear you’re working hard for the exams again.
ANTIGONE: Well, I’m trying. I can’t spend another year trying to get into
university.
GEORGE: Well, you’re so young; you have all this time ahead of you.
ANTIGONE: I don’t feel young and I do have all this time but things are a
bit complicated.
GEORGE: You should relax. Think of this as your gap year. More time to
party!
SULTANA (shocked): Party? (sigh)… Just remember… Jesus Christ is always
watching.
ANTIGONE (ignores her grandmother): Well, there a few concerts that I’ve
been meaning to go to.
GEORGE: That sounds great. I remember you would always want me to take
you to all these places.
ANTIGONE: Yeah, I remember.
GEORGE: It’s been a while since you’ve ever mentioned anything like that!
ANTIGONE:
can’t now.
Bands mostly come through during the summer anyway. And I
HARRY: I just want you to be happy Antigone. Do whatever you want.
ANTIGONE: I wish I could do whatever I want; I don’t have the freedom I
used to have when mom was here.
HARRY: Oh come on Antigone…
ANTIGONE: No one helps me, not even Mark who is supposed to understand
and help me. (To Harry) And in the end it's not even my responsibility. I
can’t even have a personal life. I do everything, and no one even says
“thanks.”
And dad, if you think that by telling me you want me to be
happy everything will be alright, you’re totally and completely wrong. I
can’t stand it anymore.
(Antigone leaves, evidently upset. George gets up and goes after her and
follows her into the kitchen.)
Page
SULTANA: Don't
38---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
HARRY: Your mother would have hated to see you guys fighting like this.
me
to
have
all
these
GEORGE: Come on now! You're strong; you've proven that so far.
ANTIGONE: I feel like I’ve spent the last five years of my life doing
nothing for myself.
GEORGE: Well, maybe you need to start focusing on yourself a bit more.
ANTIGONE: Maybe I just need to get out of here.
(The doorbell rings.)
GEORGE: You could always come and stay with me if you need to take a
break from everything.
ANTIGONE: Yeah, that does sound good.
(The doorbell rings. George is about to speak when Mark marches into the
room.)
MARK: “It’s mom!”
Page
ANTIGONE: It’s
just too
difficult for
responsibilities … and nobody understands me.
39---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
GEORGE: Why do you care so much about what your brother has to say or
do? Don’t take him seriously, he’s still a kid.
40---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Page
41---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
All the world’s a chess game,
And all men and women merely pawns,
They have their first and last move,
And one man plays many parts.
His moves combine the seven lines.
Everything starts being weak and lightweight.
Unknown abyss for him the chess board.
Standing near his lovely queen,
He needs her close to feel safe.
Then, all of a sudden, the queen pushes him
To move a line, to deal with the cruel life,
Full of creatures extremely scary.
Crazy foes, and warlike rooks,
And powerful knights, willing to be sacrificed.
And all he knows and all he prays
Is never to be in their place,
Unwillingly his first move he makes.
But after this start,
He peeks at the world with another glance,
He is aroused from a lurking will;
To become a brave knight.
That’s why he decides to take the risk
And leave the companionship of the other kids.
That’s when the next line arrives,
And he is no longer afraid of the bloodstained battle.
He is the rock; obliged to fight
And sacrifice his unworthy Life, if necessary.
For the greater good, for his king and mother queen.
Page
All the World is a Chess Game
42---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Georgia Koutsoura, Class of 2017
Page
And so he does, and gains ground
And full of pride he plays his role
In this endless war called life.
But as the years go by,
Experience replaces his will to fight.
He alters to a critical foe,
Who carefully plans his next move
And strategically thinks.
Gradually and as the game comes to its end,
Moves have to be perfectly checked.
And he may not have understood;
That he has become the king, as he always wanted to be.
But he figures out his weakness,
He only moves a square.
Standing near his lovely queen,
He needs her close to feel safe.
It’s the last line and death arrives,
Few are those, who can beat death.
Who can actually face his supernatural strength.
By being diplomatic enough to fool themselves,
Because death is in mind, and he always exists
As long as there’s almighty queen and a crazy foe,
Or a warlike rook, or a powerful knight,
And the king isn’t afraid to die.
And from now on, death will exist
In the mind of the opposing king.
hear birds singing
we can all hear the lovely sea’s waves
we can all hear dogs “woof” and cats “meow”
we can all hear the very annoying cars’ horns
we can all hear guns shooting and killing people
the thing is……………
can we all hear silence?
Kleomenis Spyroglou, Class of 2020
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we can all
Page
SOUND
44---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Page
My job is wonderful, I really like working with kids and seeing them smile
while they play and this puts a smile on my sad face. So that is why I decided
to let him play with them although I didn’t even know him or even see him
before. He came one day out of the blue and saw me with some of the kids I
was playing with. He approached me quietly and asked me if I could give him
some money to buy a lollipop. He was about 1,80 meters tall and had a really
skinny body. His hair was black, shaggy and short and had a rather short
beard. He wore a denim jacket and a colorful shirt which matched his black
pants. Everything on him was sloppy and creased like he wasn’t paying
attention to himself. The worst part was his eyes, what a shame I thought.
They were beautiful, a light blue color with a slight touch of green but they
were completely blank, emotionless. It was scary, like I was staring into the
eyes of a frozen picture. I was a little bit surprised at first then became
suspicious so I decided not to give him any money.
When I said “no” to him he looked at my face for a bit and then towards the
ground. Then, he turned his back and left but I could tell from his walk that he
was disappointed. It seemed like he had done this a lot of times and never
found anyone willing to lend him some money. After that I told the kids to
wait for me for a short while and I went to get a drink of water. When I got
back, I saw him with the kids. I was startled not only because I was worried
about the children in the company of someone else besides me, but because
they were with him. He was running around with them laughing his heart out,
but the funny thing was that he wasn’t playing with them as an adult would.
Instead, he was one of them, another child in the group. I worriedly
approached the running bunch, and they all waved at me and started running
towards me while he was leading the group. They all stopped in front of me
and looked at me. I looked at him and saw a huge change in his eyes. They
weren’t blank at all but were as lively as any of the eyes of the other children;
in fact he looked even happier. I asked him what he was doing. He said ‘’I am
Page
My job is kind of unusual; it doesn’t even have a name. I work for an
entertainment office that has many departments in different parks. What we
do in these parks is gather small groups of children and keep them busy for a
period of time with fun activities. I worked in one of the departments that
were located in Central Park, NYC and I was the morning counselor.
45---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Big Details
The very next day, he was there again and he joined the group of kids I
worked with once more. He was always too cheerful and energetic to sit down
and answer my questions; instead he always asked if he could continue
playing. I only managed to find out what his name was. Other than that, I
didn’t know much about him since he wouldn’t answer my questions. I didn’t
really care that much back then to be honest, he seemed harmless. I could tell
from his clothes and his appearance that he didn’t really take care of himself
and was probably not very wealthy. He probably lived alone as well and at the
time I thought he must have been a college dropout.
After the parents arrived, however, he was forced to leave and his facial
expression changed back to the way it was when I first met him, blank. That’s
when I realized how important this was for him. He came every day for four
days and on the fourth day a very strange and disturbing incident occurred.
The kids were playing as usual with him and I gave him the money that he
asked from me every day to buy his lollipop. He went storming to get it but
after a while he didn’t return. I started to worry, so I went down there to see
what had happened to him. I saw a small group of people gathered around
someone so I pushed through them to see what was going on. Then I saw
someone yelling at him and telling him to stay away from his kid. He himself
was not saying anything but just stared at everyone. I couldn’t see his face; he
had his back turned to me. I went to the center of the circle and approached
the man with his kid. I asked him what had happened and why he was
shouting. He replied that that man right there had told his son to kill him, he
46---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
I couldn’t help but notice that what he said was true. The kids seemed very
happy around him. He said “Could I have some money to buy a lollipop
now?’’. I gave him some money hoping he would leave but instead he took
the money with a newfound joy and bought a lollipop. After that, he came
straight back to where we were and started playing with the kids. I didn’t want
to stop him. This was a beautiful sight which reflected joy. After we were
done, the parents came to pick up their kids and I wanted to go and talk to
him but he was gone before the parents came.
Page
playing with my new friends do you know them?’’ I said ‘’Yes, and I would
appreciate it if you left them alone’’. He didn’t react he just said ‘’But we are
having a good time’’.
After that I didn’t see him for the next two weeks. All the kids kept asking
where he was. I didn’t know what to tell them since I didn’t know myself. But I
did see him again of course. It was when he tried to kill me. He came to my
house one day and I saw him through the window walking up the steps. I was
kind of glad that he was alright but that’s about the only good thing I felt
about him. I didn’t want him here; he was too weird and unpredictable for me.
But I did open the door. I really didn’t think about it all that much. He was at
the door looking at me. His eyes didn’t reveal much, he was calm. I asked him
what he wanted. He told me he wanted to talk to me. I told him that there
was nothing preventing him from doing that. He asked me if he could come
inside. Seeing him beat, tired and cold made me feel a little bit regretful for
driving him away. There was no one else in the house as I live alone, I let him
in and we sat on the couch. He inhaled, looked at me and started talking. His
voice was calm and surprisingly soothing.
47---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
He was licking his lollipop when I asked him what had gone through his mind
when he did what he did. He told me I saw that man, his kid asked him for
money to buy a lollipop and he didn’t give him any. He told his kid that he
had no money left. ‘’But I saw it’’, he said, ‘’he had the money in his pocket I
could see it through the fabric. He is a big liar and deserves to be treated as
one.’’ It was the first time he was talking like this; he was talking like an adult
stripped of all his childlike attributes. I got angry, I couldn’t believe him. It all
made sense. Whatever his reasons were, he pretended to be a kid to win my
trust and say these things to the other children. And that’s why he didn’t
reveal anything about himself. I started yelling at him, I told him not to return
ever again and that he should stay away from the kids and me. Again, he
didn’t react at first but he kept that look on his face. He started walking and
left the park still licking his lollipop.
Page
told me his exact words were: “Kill him! Kill him NOW or he will kill you first
and then watch you grow while you are dead’’. Of course, you can’t imagine
the shock I felt. My mind was clouded and I felt scared and worried. He, this
man who I thought was innocent, said these things to a little kid. What I
wanted to know most of all was why and if he told this kind of thing to the
other kids as well. I went up to him and I looked into his eyes. They were
neither cheerful nor blank. It seemed like he was mad, behaving like a
ferocious animal.
48---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
I started asking for money from people, many people to buy a lollipop, but no
one would give me anything. And then there was you. Your looks reminded
me of my father. When you wouldn’t give me anything I had lost the last
Page
‘’One day my dad took me to the park to play with me. We were passing by
that candy shop that I always buy lollipops from and I asked him if I could buy
one. He told me that I couldn’t have any because he didn’t have any money
on him. We continued walking through the park and he told me to wait by
the swings and that he would be right back. I waited for him but he was
taking too long. I started looking for him and I found him talking to a man in
an isolated area of the park. He handed my dad a small bag and my dad gave
him some dollars. As a kid I got really mad because my dad had lied to me.
He did have money! I went back by the swings because I didn’t want my dad
to know that I had followed him. He came back and we left the park. I didn’t
know back then but I found out as I was growing up that my dad was a drug
addict. He had been one for a many years but after a while he started
becoming really messed up. He would forget to pick me up from school and
he would leave the house for two or three days at a time and return with
blood on all his clothes, hardly able to walk. He worked in a moving company
for a while but he got fired because of the drugs. All this was too much. No
friends, no family, no life, no nothing. Drugs…, oh there was plenty of that. I
didn’t have a normal life; I didn’t live my life as a kid. I was just thrown into
the dark layers of the world too quickly and too soon. As I grew up so did my
anger towards him. That worthless scum. When I turned 16 I snapped. I had
reached my breaking point. I took a knife and I stabbed him in his sleep.
Don’t act surprised. It was justice, it was the light prevailing over darkness;
good beating evil. Whenever I think of it, I think back to the time I stabbed
him. Every time I stabbed him I laughed, every one of his screams was
amusing. It is the only good memory I have of my dad, him covered in blood.
He had ended my life before it even started and I had ended his miserable
existence. No one cared though and no one cared about people like my
father. After I killed him I was lost again. I had no foundation, nothing that I
could trust. For a while I watched the world through a glass window like the
one they use in police departments. I couldn’t feel anything or even perceive
anything. That is when I thought that maybe I could win my life back. If I
could go back to the beginning, I could fix it.
- Is that all you have to state Mr. Johnson?
- Yes, officer, I believe that is all.
Thomas Hartman was found guilty for assaulting Mr. Johnson and spent ten
years in prison.
They were never able to find a link between him and the death of his father.
Nikolaos Papachiou, Class of 2016
49---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
He pulled out a knife and quickly came at me. There was a struggle but I was
able to defend myself since he was quite weak. I hit him on the head with a
vase and he lost consciousness. That is when I called the police and they
arrested him.
Page
glimpse of hope. But then I saw all the children gathered over there. I wanted
to be one of them; I wanted to feel what it was like and before I knew it I was
playing with them and laughing again. I was over the moon. I thought that
maybe I could really get my childhood back. And indeed you gave me the
money so everything was great. Every day was wonderful; I got the chance to
relive my childhood. But then as soon as I try to protect that kid from all the
harm that would come his way, you kick me out. WHY? You just heard my
story. Do you want all these things to happen to anyone else!? Not to live out
their childhood!? You betrayed me just like my father did, and you didn’t
understand. For that I truly hate you.’’
Page
50---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Michelle Stoukides, Class of 2019
Nikolaos Papachiou, Class of 2016
51---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
It was located in front of my bedroom door. As soon as you walked in,
there it was. My memories of this bed are associated with a blue blanket
that always covered it. Whenever I think of comfort and warmth, it is
the first thing that pops into my head. I used to do all kinds of things on
it besides sleeping, like watching movies, jumping on it, throwing my
brother on it, read or even play board games with friends. But as I grew
up I started to think of it not as my bed but as a random bed. I guess
that was expected since I didn’t do as much on it, it was kind of like the
friend that you used to have. I also guess that was me growing up as
well. The more mature I looked at that bed in a whole different way.
Apathy. It became just a bed. But having not only a blanket on your bed,
but also so many different emotions and experiences to cover yourself up
with at night is a unique feeling. And I have many unique feelings
towards things and people that I interact with so I don’t want to lose
them as time passes. I want them to stay with me because they define me.
This is why whenever I look at my childhood bed I feel like I have lost
a big part of me.
Page
My Childhood Bed
52---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Ioanna Deroukaki, Class of 2019
Page
It's
just me
and my guitar
Playing tracks
Every night
It's
just
me
and
my
guitar
Watching
stars
in the
sky
It's
just
me
and
my guitar
While I play me a sad
song
It's just me and my guitar
What could possibly go wrong?
It's just me and my guitar
I live with it every day
It's just me and my guitar
There is nothing else to say
It's just me and my guitar
Singing without mentioning any
names . It's just me and my guitar
Could there be
a better day?
But what can we do about it?
Cry? Spy? Or perhaps being shy?
No, no just attack on every sight
And hope you don’t die
Relief under pressure
Death for peace
Illusion to create war
Auxiliaries for cavalry
Axe men for horsemen
And flowers for blood
All just a lie
Show we don’t cry
After all, we all are going to die
Just hope we don’t lie
For we are going to see
We are going to forget
and perhaps regret
’cause in order to survive
we should die
Chris Choromidis, Class of 2019
Page
Gold, shiny, unforgettable
Nothing’s like it
And from everything that I have seen
From all these generations
From all the different nations
It’s just information and observation
Pity isn’t it?
53---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Gold
54---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Page
You could tell there was more in his heart
Sorrow, grief and happiness all locked real hard
And so came this girl, sharp as a knife
She pierced through him like she was the key to the door
She opened up his heart and saw something no one had seen.
So this man wasn’t empty at all he was just afraid in this cold and
brutal war.
Nikolaos Papachiou, Class of 2016
Page
The story of a man that had no gun
The story of someone afraid and oppressed
He woke up in the morning afraid to get dressed
That man had no future, no voice in this world
He was just there in a corner silent and cold
And if you went up to him and asked him “what’s up?”
He would say nothing, nothing at all.
55---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
The Terrified Soldier
56---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Page
Three brave young men were chosen to be the first time-travelers. John Winston
(the captain), Michael Ferguson (the space engineer) and Freedy Iacobs (the
astrophysicist) all took part in this great adventure.
The time machine was not a particularly huge object; it looked, more or less, like an
ordinary space capsule. But inside it, there were loads of buttons, levers, pipes,
circuits and wires. It was, all in all, cutting-edge technology. The departure date
was determined to be January 1st, 2033, at six am precisely. The time travelers were
set to travel back to the 3rd century B.C. to Ancient Greece.
After an exhausting schedule of training and detailed planning the time came. They
were all ready. The “timenauts” entered the time capsule. Everybody was excited
and worried at the same time. Nobody in human history had ever dared to travel
back in time.
The voice from mission control started the countdown: 10…9…8… Winston’s ears
started to buzz…7…6…5…Ferguson held on tight to the handles of his
seat…4…3...2…Jacobs took a deep breath…1……… Lift off!!! And then…
Silence.
Nothing but silence.
No matter what they expected to happen, it did not happen. No flashes, no heat, no
loud noises, no turbulence, not even the sensation of motion.
“Where are we?”, muttered Ferguson.
“I really don’t know. I mean, I don’t have a clue,” said Winston.
“Where is the sunlight? Where are the trees?” asked Jacobs.
“Where is Earth?” said Winston, looking out the window.
“Are we even moving?” wondered Ferguson loudly
Page
After decades of hard work and effort, the human race managed to build a timemachine! Everybody was happy and excited. It was front page on all the
newspapers, television shows and on the web.
57---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
The Time Travelers
“I really can’t tell… I don’t see any stars. In fact, I don’t see anything at all out there.
Here, see for yourselves,” said Winston.
They pressed their faces tight against the small cabin windows.
“Nothing but darkness,” whispered Ferguson, and a deep, disturbing feeling came
over him as the cabin lights started to flicker and fade.
“Try to reboot the system! Recalculate our time-trajectory!” Jacobs said to Ferguson,
trying to hide the panic in his voice.
Ferguson started trying to reboot the mission computer. Jacobs turned to Winston.
“What do you think is going on?”
“Don’t know yet. I have a bad feeling. We were supposed to be somewhere in
Ancient Greece. Everything was precisely calculated. In split-second accuracy!”
Winston said.
Jacobs thought for while, and then slowly turned his head to Winston.
“Split second accuracy….Split millisecond. I wonder…”
“What do you have in mind?” said Winston.
“I think we are asking the wrong question: It’s not ‘where are we?’ It’s ‘when are
we?’” Jacobs said, starting to feel his limbs a bit heavier.
“The system is not responding! Nothing is happening! Everything appears to have
shut down!” shouted Ferguson.
A dark shadow covered Jacobs face.
“No earth, no stars, no lights, nothing works…no time” He turned to his colleagues:
Page
“Are we in deep space?” said Jacobs.
58---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
“I don’t think so,” came back the worried reply from the captain.
“I am afraid that we are stuck in between time intervals. You see guys, time is also
quantized. Time, like matter, is also cut in very very tiny fractions. So tiny, that we
cannot notice. Our brains are not able to feel these tiny intervals. But they exist.
There are terribly small, but they exist!”
“What are the possibilities for something like that happening? Said Winston, with
clear effort.
“ Nobody knows. Nobody travelled in time before. I guess there is a slight chance.
One in a billion perhaps…” Jacobs said. He could barely be heard now.
“Are… we… stuck… here… forever?” Ferguson asked. He could barely move.
“There is no forever. We exist in NO time,” Jacobs said.
“Then why are we moving?” Winston asked…
“This won’t be for long, I’m afraid.” Jacobs replied. “Time, like matter, has inertia.
You drive a big bus, you hit the brakes, but it takes a while to stop. Why? Because
of inertia. Mass has inertia. Now, we find out that time has inertia too. But…did
you notice it is getting harder and harder to move?”
“Yes, I feel it too. I can’t stand up. I can hardly talk” Winston said, gasping for
breath.
He turned to look at Ferguson. He stood there motionless, looking back at him.
Winston tried to turn to Jacobs, but he felt his neck stiffen. He could not turn.
“We are stuck in nowhere… Forever…” Jacobs thought.
Isimini Nasiopoulou, Class of 2019
Page
“What do you mean?” muttered Ferguson, noticing that he himself was having
trouble speaking.
59---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
“We are in NO time…” he whispered softly. His limbs now felt like ten tons.
60---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Page
61---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
Page
Anastasia Chatzidis is 22 years old and the main character of our story. She’s originally from Kilkis but studies
psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She’s generally a passionate person and loves art. She’s a very
impulsive person and has recently been inspired by the leftist ideology introduced to her by Nikos, her neighbor. She
has fallen in love with Nikos but over the course of the play realizes that she has to face a serious dilemma.
Nikos Georgiadis is the co-protagonist of our story. He is 23 years old. He’s a civil engineer student at the Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki. He’s passionate, rebellious and strongly advocates the leftist ideology. He attends
demonstrations and riots on a regular basis. During the play, he admits his feelings for Anastasia and her rejection leads
him to take the final decision to continue his studies abroad.
Thrasos Nefelidis is 25 years old of average looks but smartly dressed. He recently moved to Thessaloniki to take up his
father’s newly established business.
Thrasos’s parents, Pelagia and Charalambos (Babis) Nefelidis, are both wealthy but have only recently achieved this.
They used to be poor. They identify with the right-wing politics and are opinionated.
Anastasia’s parents, George and Evagelia Chatzidis, have moved from Kilkis to Thessaloniki so that they can live with
Anastasia and share the expenses. The father resorts to working as an accountant for his friend, Babis’s business.
Evagelia is suffering from cancer and they are not financially able to pay for treatments. The only solution is to arrange
a marriage between Anastasia and Thrasos so that they can pay for the mother’s therapy.
Act 1 takes place in the Chatzidis home on the 25th of March 2014 (National Independence Day and Evagelia’s
nameday) while Act 2 takes place in Nikos’s home in June 2015. In the 1 st Act, the Nefelidis and the Chatzidis have just
finished having dinner and are eating desert. In the 2nd Act, Anastasia has come to visit her parents. She’s locked out of
her house so she knocks on her neighbour’s door to find that Nikos has returned.
Page
The play was performed by Smithtown High School (New York, USA) for Anatolia College on
the 14th of May, 2015.
62---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pegasus 2013-15--
The Course of Love
THRASOS: So would anyone like to hear a joke?
(Everyone nods in agreement)
(Thrasos continues) What did Batman say to Robin before getting into the batmobile? (Silence) Robin get into the
batmobile.
(Everyone laughs except for Anastasia. Evagelia gets up)
GEORGE: Thrasos you are so funny! Isn’t he funny Anastasia?
ANASTASIA: (Disingenuous) Oh yeah!
GEORGE: Babis, that son of yours is a golden child! I’m sure he’s a great help to you in the factory too?
EVAGELIA: Here is the wine you brought Mr. Charalambos!
QVERLAPPING CONVERSATION.
(Puts the wine on the table)
Would anyone like some?
(Everyone nods in agreement and Evagelia begins pouring the wine into glasses)
BABIS: Indeed, he was the one who tackled the recurrent strikes.
EVAGELIA: Oh, what a responsible young man. Don’t you agree, Anastasia?
ANASTASIA: I guess I’ve seen more difficult jobs than that.
(Pause)
GEORGE: How are things at the factory?
BABIS: Great, great. Things couldn’t be better.
GEORGE: The shop you’ve opened in Thessaloniki is doing well too.
PELAGIA: Anything my Babis touches turns to gold.
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We’re in Anastasia’s home. It’s the 25th of March, 2014 Greek Independence Day and Evagelia’s (Anastasia’s mother)
name day. The family has been paid a visit by their family friends from Kilkis. The Nefelidis family and the Chatzidis
are seated around a dinner table. They have just had dinner. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves with the
exception of Anastasia.
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Scene 1
GEORGE: I absolutely agree.
ANASTASIA: Don’t be so harsh. I think that everybody should remember where they started from.
BABIS: I’ve had my difficulties, Anastasia, and I’m well aware of it. But, these anarchist pigs just want to gain money
without working.
THRASOS: Anarchy is a respectable regime.
ANASTASIA: Exactly. Except for the fact that anarchy is not a regime.
THRASOS: (embarrassed) Yes, you know what I mean.
ANASTASIA: No, actually I don’t.
THRASOS: It’s a… (At a loss for words)
BABIS: Of course he meant political ideology. Still, “respectable” is not a word I would use to describe it.
ANASTASIA: What word would you use?
PELAGIA (to Babis): Oh honey, let’s not get onto politics. (looks at her watch) besides I totally forgot about my
pedicure appointment. We should be leaving… (they begin to get up)
EVAGELIA: Well, It was lovely having you.
GEORGE: Yes, you should come by more often.
EVAGELIA: Oh, yes!
GEORGE: And thank you for visiting. Say goodbye Anastasia.
ANASTASIA (who hasn’t left the table): Bye.
THRASOS: Bye Anastasia. I hope to see you again.
GEORGE: Of course you will! Bye!
EVAGELIA: Good bye!
(They close the door behind them and walk back inside)
EVAGELIA: What a nice guy.
GEORGE (turning to Anastasia): Nice guy, Thrasos, huh?
ANASTASIA: I don’t know.
EVAGELIA: Oh, come on.
GEORGE: Did you get the joke he told us?
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BABIS: But I’ll tell you…I’m so sick of all these workers and their stupid strikes. When are they going to realize that
they’re always going to be poorer than us?
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GEORGE: So true! And I am extremely grateful to you for employing me to help you make more gold! (They share a
laugh)
ANASTASIA: I didn’t find it funny.
GEORGE: Such as?
ANASTASIA: Did you even hear what he said about anarchy?
GEORGE: Regardless, he’s nice boy.
EVAGELIA: Yes, good for any young lady.
ANASTASIA: Not for every young lady.
GEORGE: Come on now. He’s a very interesting man.
ANASTASIA (sarcastic): Very interesting indeed.
GEORGE: Did you know that the shop in Thessaloniki was his idea?
ANASTASIA: That doesn’t make him interesting. It makes him ambitious.
GEORGE: Another very admirable trait. Come on, he’d be good for you.
ANASTASIA: You mean he’d be good for us. (angrily) It’s all about money!
GEORGE: It’s not just money. You know what this about. It’s a means to an end. Don’t you want this too?
ANASTASIA: You know I do.
EVAGELIA: Alright you two, now’s not the time. Things will work out, or they won’t
(Evagelia starts clearing the coffee table. George stops her and takes over.)
GEORGE: Leave it to us.
(Evagelia takes a seat on the couch. Someone knocks on the door.)
ANASTASIA (sarcastic): Maybe Thrasos is back to tell us another joke.
EVAGELIA (giggles): I’m sure your father would like that!
(There’s a knock again.)
GEORGE (from within): Anastasia, go see who’s knocking.
ANASTASIA: Ugh! (Slowly gets up and walks to the door. Opens the door and immediately changes disposition.)
Nikos! How lovely of you to come!
(They kiss on both cheeks.)
NIKOS: Well, since it’s your mom’s name day, I thought I’d come over and give her my wishes. Besides, my mom
sends this chocolate cake.
ANASTASIA: Oh, that’s nice. Looks delicious! Why didn’t she also come?
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ANASTASIA: He seems to have strange opinions.
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GEORGE: Oh come on. He’s a nice boy.
Besides, she noticed that you had company.
ANASTASIA: Yeah, just some “family friends” from Kilkis.
NIKOS: I noticed them get into the elevator. A very good-looking young family friend.
ANASTASIA: Appearances can be deceiving.
EVAGELIA (calling from within): Who’s at the door sweetie?
ANASTASIA: It’s Nikos!
EVAGELIA (to Anastasia): Well, tell him to come in. We have enough baklava for everyone.
(George comes out of the kitchen and walks into the lounge)
GEORGE (to Evagelia): What does he want?
EVAGELIA (to George): Oh, come on dear. Don’t behave like that.
GEORGE (to Evagelia): You know that I hate the idea of him in here!
EVAGELIA: Please stop this…
GEORGE: Were it not for our need to move in here, due to this financial crisis he would have Anastasia pulled in with
all his demonstrations and rallies!
EVAGELIA (to George): Shh, he’s coming. We’ll talk about this later...
(to Nikos) Hello Nikos.
NIKOS: Hi Ms. Evagelia. Happy name day.
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(Anastasia remains silent)
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NIKOS: She decided it would be better not to come, things being the way they are between us.
(Gives Evagelia the cake) Here, this is from my mother.
EVAGELIA (matter-of-fact tone): Oh, thank her on my behalf. I’ll just take this inside.
GEORGE: I’ll take it.
(Exits and goes to the kitchen)
EVAGELIA: Well, if you’ll excuse me. It’s been a tiring day so I’m going to go take a bit of a nap.
(Nikos and Anastasia are left alone.)
ANASTASIA: How come you brought over a cake? You know what they think of you!
NIKOS: I needed an excuse to come over.
ANASTASIA: Oh, really?
NIKOS: Yeah, I have something to tell you.
ANASTASIA (teasingly): And this couldn’t wait?
NIKOS (serious): No. It’s very important.
ANASTASIA: Now you’re starting to scare me. What is it?
NIKOS: Remember when we went to that post-graduate degrees presentation?
ANASTASIA: The one you were making fun of? Yes, what about it?
NIKOS: Well, it wasn’t that bad…I actually applied for one of those scholarships.
(Reluctantly) And I got it.
ANASTASIA: Wait, what? Of all people, you applied for a scholarship?
NIKOS: Well, you might think it’s not like me, but education is education.
ANASTASIA: Well, yes. Education is important. But I thought that you had decided not to apply for one.
NIKOS (laughing): No, that's what you decided on. I want to be a civil engineer.
ANASTASIA: But what about everything you stand for? You said that education preserves socioeconomic division!
NIKOS: This doesn’t change anything.
ANASTASIA: It changes everything.
NIKOS: No, it doesn’t.
ANASTASIA: I thought you said that this is an indirect way of accepting the system, Niko, the very system that you
claim to fight against.
NIKOS: No, that’s your perspective on things. The only way you can change the system is from within.
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NIKOS: No, no thank you, I'm good.
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EVAGELIA: Oh thank you Nikos. Is there anything I can offer you, dear?
ANASTASIA: Which university did you get into anyway?
NIKOS: And you can too! There’s still time to apply. You can go on one of those Erasmus exchange programs. Come
with me, Anastasia, let’s do this together!
ANASTASIA: Come on now. Let’s be serious.
NIKOS: I am serious!
ANASTASIA: ...RRRight! So you want me to abandon my family and my studies because you suddenly decided to
accept a scholarship abroad.
NIKOS: Abandon? You’ll just be away for six months!
ANASTASIA: And what money will I have to spend over these six months.
NIKOS: The programme covers your tuition and housing. Your basic needs will be covered. Come on, this will be
great!
ANASTASIA: I can’t leave!
ANASTASIA: My parents just came.
NIKOS: Oh yes. Of course. Your parents! Do you need to be here to babysit them?
ANASTASIA: They will never agree to this.
NIKOS: Come on Anastasia, you’re a 22 year-old grown woman. Old enough to make your own choices.
ANASTASIA (sarcastic): Not everyone can afford to do whatever pops into their heads.
NIKOS: What are you talking about? This idea didn’t just pop into my head. I’ve been thinking about this for some
time now.
ANASTASIA: You going abroad?
NIKOS: Us going abroad.
ANASTASIA: And why are you telling me now?
NIKOS: Well, I wanted to be sure about getting the scholarship first.
(Silence)
NIKOS: Come on, think about it! We could walk along The Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Visit the Eiffel Tower.
Watch the world from above…
ANASTASIA: I thought the university is in Montpellier.
NIKOS (ignoring her): We’ll visit museums. You love going to art museums.
ANASTASIA: I would like to go the Louvre but…
NIKOS: Yes!! We can go there and attach a love lock on the Pont des Arts.
ANASTASIA: A love lock?
NIKOS (blushes): Yeah
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ANASTASIA: Practising your French, I see.
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NIKOS: Université de Montpellier.
ANASTASIA: Why would we need to put a love lock on the bridge?
NIKOS (fed up): Because I’m in love with you damnit!
(Awkward Silence)
ANASTASIA: You shouldn’t be.
NIKOS: Why shouldn’t I be?
ANASTASIA: You’re not the one for me.
NIKOS: Is there someone else?
ANASTASIA: Perhaps.
NIKOS: Did all this time we spent together mean nothing to you?
ANASTASIA: It’s not that simple. You wouldn’t understand.
NIKOS: It actually is
(Silence. Nikos feels hurt)
I get the hint.
(Gets up and leaves.)
ANASTASIA (alone): I love you too, but…I can’t…
Scene 2
Summer 2015. Anastasia has come home for a visit. She knocks on the door but no one is answering.
ANASTASIA: Oh, where are they!
(Anastasia tries calling the landline)
Why aren’t you answering?
NIKOS (opens his door, surprised): Hi.
ANASTASIA: Hi…I didn’t expect to see you.
NIKOS: Yeah. Well, it is my home.
(silence)
So…
(Awkward silence)
ANASTASIA: So you’re back in town?
NIKOS: Yes.
ANASTASIA: When did you come back?
NIKOS: About a week ago. (pause) What are you doing out here?
ANASTASIA: I’m locked out.
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ANASTASIA: Not where but why? I thought we were just friends.
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NIKOS: Where else would we put a love lock?
(Nikos doesn’t respond.)
My parents aren’t home.
NIKOS: That explains the ring.
ANASTASIA: Yeah…
(Awkward silence)
NIKOS: So, who’s the lucky guy?
ANASTASIA: You don’t know him.
NIKOS: Maybe I don’t know him, but might I have run into him in the elevator a while back?…
ANASTASIA (caught): Oh, Nikos. Let’s not talk about this. (Silence) So…have you finished your studies?
NIKOS: It’s a two year programme but I completed all the required courses in the first year. (Obvious uncomfortable
silence).
(Impatient and out of the blue) Was I not good enough for you?
ANASTASIA: What?
NIKOS: You heard me.
ANASTASIA: Come on, it wasn’t that.
NIKOS: So, what was it?
ANASTASIA: Does it even matter?
NIKOS: When you said back then it was nothing, you lied to me.
ANASTASIA: No, it was nothing. Back then…But things changed.
I never lied to you.
NIKOS: You did.
ANASTASIA: No, I didn’t.
NIKOS: You were in love with someone else!
ANASTASIA: It’s not that simple. It wasn’t “love.”
NIKOS: After you decided you wouldn’t come with me to France you got married... If it wasn’t “love” what was it
then?
ANASTASIA: You can’t ask me that…
NIKOS: Of course I can.
ANASTASIA: You wouldn’t understand even if I told you.
NIKOS: Why? What’s the reason?
ANASTASIA: I did not love him.
NIKOS: Then why did you marry him?!
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ANASTASIA: I don’t live here anymore.
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NIKOS: Don’t you have keys of your own?
ANASTASIA: Because I had to!
NIKOS (Angry): For What? If it was just a case of money…
ANASTASIA: (shouts): My family needed it! (silence) I did it for my family.
NIKOS: Your family? You mean they forced you into it?
ANASTASIA: Well they did and they didn’t. (quietly) We didn’t have the money.
NIKOS: For what? (pause) (more softly) Anastasia, tell me.
ANASTASIA: My mother was diagnosed with cancer and it had to be removed and we couldn’t afford it.
NIKOS: Why didn’t you tell me? We could have helped you.
ANASTASIA: How could I tell you such a thing? I couldn’t just tell you that I had to marry another guy because we
needed his family’s money.
NIKOS: We used to tell each other everything though...
ANASTASIA: I didn’t want you to think of me any differently.
NIKOS: If you cared what I thought of you, you would have told me.
ANASTASIA: I did care! I didn’t want you to think I was this shallow person who would marry someone for their
money.
NIKOS: Funny ‘cause that’s what you did!
ANASTASIA: Yes, but I didn’t love him. That is my curse. But now that she is better that’s my consolation.
(Silence)
ANASTASIA: I couldn’t watch my mother die; I had to do this even though I had feelings for you.
NIKOS: For me? So I wasn’t alone in this? You loved me?
ANASTASIA: Yes! I always have.
NIKOS: (Very emotional) Now, you say you love me…yet you married someone else.
ANASTASIA: And have regretted it ever since! Were it not for my mother’s health, you and I would…
NIKOS: Would what? Be together?
(Silence)
ANASTASIA: We could be.
NIKOS: You’ve made your decision.
ANASTASIA: What would you have done if you were in my position?
(No answer)
Let me make up for what I did. We can make it work!
NIKOS: I can’t trust you anymore.
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ANASTASIA (Blurts out): I needed the money, OK!
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NIKOS: Why? Was someone holding a knife to your throat?
ANASTASIA: What do you mean? I’m the same person.
NIKOS: Not anymore. There’s nothing between us.
You’re married now.
ANASTASIA: This could change. It depends on us.
NIKOS: No, no… I wouldn’t be able stand it. To be with someone who has absolutely no values. People are not items
you know? You cannot just throw them away when they stop being “useful” so that you can play with your new toys.
ANASTASIA: Nikos, how can you speak to me like…
NIKOS (interrupting): Let me speak. First you deserted me and now you want to do this to him. Do you even know how
difficult this has been for me? When you left one year ago, I thought I had lost everything. I had nothing to hope for,
nothing to believe in. My whole perspective on life has changed. One day I had you and I felt I could change the world
and the next I lost you and realized I was the only one changing. I gave up my faith, my goals. I do not want to be the
reason why somebody goes through this.
ANASTASIA: You make it seem like I am a terrible person. All I am asking for is a chance for us to be happy.
NIKOS: Against the happiness of another person? This is the thing you’re not getting.
ANASTASIA: And what is that exactly?
NIKOS: Life is not always about doing what’s easy or tempting. It’s about doing what’s right even though it may
sometimes be really difficult.
ANASTASIA: And what is the right thing Nikos? To be unhappy and remain miserable?
NIKOS: No. The right thing is to accept the consequences of your actions and live with them.
ANASTASIA: It’s also the right thing to forgive other people for possible mistakes of theirs, but you do not seem to be
doing it.
(Silence)
NIKOS: You broke my heart, you know?
ANASTASIA: I wish you could accept my apology…
NIKOS: Yes. I forgive you. But you made a choice, Anastasia.
ANASTASIA: No, no, no! It’s not my choice. IT’S NOT MY CHOICE! (takes off wedding ring and throws it down.)
NIKOS: It’s too late now.
ANASTASIA: Can’t you see? I will leave everything behind. I’m in love with you! I’ll always be! I’m so sorry…
NIKOS: I’m sorry (pause) No.
(Silence)
I hope things turn out well for you in the end.
(Shows Anastasia to the door) Goodbye Anastasia.
(Anastasia walks out of the door. Nikos remains onstage.)
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ANASTASIA: You know everything about me. How can you say that?
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NIKOS: Then why do I feel that I don’t even know you?
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Dimitris Efthimiadis, Class of 2019
Another day blossoms in Mother Africa.
Your eyes are amused by the flow of the hydropathic serpent, dispersing into
the distant plain. The previous nights’ flame burns a deep orange – the
arising mist is camouflaged by the sun’s peering rays and the previous nights’
flame burns away as it whispers the last of its tales bringing along with it
the seeds of enchantment.
Showering her plains with life anew, alleviating the sorrow of anyone blue.
She welcomes you into her Kingdom, beholding the beauty of the worlds
collided. Her people are folks of true honesty and generosity, sadly discarded
by the outside world as modern man’s logic is plagued by greed.
Her blue lotuses, nevertheless, continue to blossom their most vivid blue, and
her Heliconias, the most vibrant of colours for they all make up the majestic
tales. The tales of the Serengeti.
Kyriakos Athanasiou, Class of 2016
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As you sit atop the peaking view, at the far end of the camp. As you gaze at
the mesmerizing winding of the river, the dampness of the mist wrapping
around you… As you sway to and fro to the sweet and mellow rhythm of the
marimba and mbira; their golden melodies taking off into the horizon. As you
peruse the thick flora: each strain of green telling a story…
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Tales of the Serengeti
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