Award-Winning Greek Teen Poet Releases Poetry Compilation

Greek teen poet Dimosthenis-Dimitrios Despotidis, who won an international poetry competition last year, recently released a compilation of his poetry called “Searching for My Footsteps.”

The compilation, which is available in both Greek and English, includes 46 poems from the young poet.

Despotidis, who is just 14 years old, took the first prize at the prestigious poetry competition hosted by the Never Such Innocence Foundation in London last year.

Greek teen poet won international award last year

Over 4,000 young poets from 44 countries around the world submitted their work to the competition. The organization runs an international poetry, art, speech and song competition for young people aged 9-18, focusing on conflict and the range of its impacts on humanity.

The theme of the competition was the “Impact of Conflict on Communities.” The 13-year-old won in the category for ages 11-14. His “Inspirational Poem” highlighted how the Second World War had a profound impact on Commonwealth nations both during and after the years of the conflict.

“I usually write in English because I go to an English school and it’s my mother tongue. But I also try to improve my Greek,” Despotidis told Mega TV. He added that the “Inspirational Poem” was written four months ago and that his favorite poet is Lord Byron.

“What made him especially happy (receiving the award) was the fact that he represented his country. He felt proud as a Greek,” his mother, Margarita Vartholomaiou, told the the Athens Macedonia News Agency (AMNA).

Dimosthenis-Dimitrios Despotidis releases poetry compilation

His new poetry compilation features a picture of the famous Tourlitis lighthouse in Chora on the island of Andros, where Despotidis has roots.

The unique lighthouse, which was built atop a rock formation jutting out of the sea, is the only of its kind in Europe.

A launch event was held in Plaka, Athens in early October for the publication of the Greek edition. While there, Despotidis described the contents of his latest compilation, which reflects on life as a young adult in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic:

“The selection of poems is a culmination of many diverse and disparate elements that have influenced my early childhood until today. It is also the culmination of many painstaking efforts during the Covid-era that all humanity was and is facing, even today.”

Despotidis was also named the Literature Director of Greek organization International Action Art, which promotes culture and art in Greece. He is the youngest person to fill the role.

The compilation was published with support from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Action Art, and the UNESCO Club for Piraeus and the Greek islands.

The compilation of poetry can be purchased here.