Philenews

Poetry Denouncing Hypocrisy and Posturing

Published January 12, 2026, 05:08
Poetry Denouncing Hypocrisy and Posturing

Kyriaki Stylianou, with her poetic work, continues to explore the relationship between aesthetics and ideology, without hesitating to address controversial issues. Her collection, "In July More Carefully," is a fierce critique of the hypocrisy, ostentation, and empty fantasies of contemporary life, targeting politicians, religious leaders, and even those who identify as revolutionaries. The poet seeks a non-conventional poetry, free from conventions, and pursues authenticity and tradition, rejecting easy and prefabricated solutions. A significant element of her poetry is the focus on the auditory and visual pollution of rhetoric, as well as the denunciation of the superficiality and emptiness of words. Stylianou often uses irony and sarcasm to reveal hypocrisy and deceit, thereby enhancing the aesthetic power of her poems. Her critique extends to poetry itself, questioning the value of empty phrases and contrived expressions. In many poems, the author refers to the history and political situation of Cyprus, particularly the invasion of 1974, using symbolism and metaphors to express pain, anger, and disappointment. Her ironic mood is also evident in these poems, where she denounces the celebrations and parades that she considers empty and hypocritical. Stylianou seeks to awaken people's consciences, challenging them to question established values and seek truth. Overall, the collection "In July More Carefully" is a bold and sharp intervention in contemporary Greek poetry, which is not afraid to confront difficult and controversial issues. Stylianou manages to combine poetic skill with her ideological consistency, creating a work that provokes thought and reflection.