Eleni Sikelianos Livres

One of our foremost practitioners of ecopoetic exploration, Eleni Sikelianos, bends time and space in this ode to our animal origins. From the cellular to celestial, Your Kingdom is an inquisitive and energetic call to “let the body feel all its own evolution inside.”Our limbs grew from the shoulders of salamanders. Hidden motives bind us to cuckoos and caterpillars. Our faces form biological maps while our organs trace the shapes of our animal ancestors. As she studies the wild roots of our past, present, and future, Sikelianos forms a poetic ecosystem, delighting in the complexity of our natural lineage in the face of environmental precarity. With wonder and verve, Your Kingdom reconnects us through language to our deeply animal origins―to the cellular essence from which all life emerged.

The collection features elegantly crafted poems that explore the connections between life and death, utilizing strikingly simple language to convey profound themes. Each piece invites readers to reflect on the delicate balance between existence and absence, revealing the beauty and complexity of these intertwined experiences.

Exploring the complex dynamics between a daughter and her enigmatic father, the narrative delves into themes of inspiration, turmoil, and emotional depth. It captures the poignant moments that define their relationship, highlighting both the father's struggles and the daughter's journey of understanding and connection. Through vivid storytelling, the book offers a profound reflection on familial bonds and the impact of a parent's challenges on their child's life.

This epic poem stands out for its grand scale and pressing themes, marking a significant literary achievement in the new millennium. It combines a sense of urgency with expansive storytelling, inviting readers to engage deeply with its rich narrative and poetic form.