Every year in early May, we are honoured to welcome back Hilary Sideris, – an extraordinary poet, warm soul, and dear friend – to La Casa Grande here in Evia, Greece. With roots that trace back to Greek heritage and a life now in Brooklyn, New York, Hilary brings with her a unique voice that bridges cultures, histories, and emotions in ways that resonate deeply with all who know her and those lucky enough to encounter her work.
This year, we are especially proud to celebrate Hilary’s latest poems featured in Gargoyle Magazine — a vibrant showcase of her lyrical power, wit, and keen insight into the human experience.
In pieces like Gulf of America, 69, Extended Release, and Feta, Hilary draws from a rich tapestry of places, memories, and moments. Her words are playful and profound, offering both intensity and tenderness as they unfold across landscapes of love, identity, cultural nuance, and introspection. These poems reflect the spirit of a writer who is unafraid to explore complexity with clarity — a rare gift in poetry that speaks to the heart as much as the mind.
Hilary’s work has long been celebrated for its linguistic richness and emotional honesty. From her acclaimed collection Calliope — a beautifully crafted tribute to language, family, and self-discovery published last year — to this year’s stunning contributions in Gargoyle, her voice continues to grow in depth and resonance, captivating readers around the world.
We feel so fortunate to be part of her creative world. Each time Hilary visits us in early May, she brings warmth, curiosity, and generosity. Her stays at La Casa Grande have not only yielded remarkable poetry but also built cherished friendships that enrich our creative community.
To our dear friend Hilary — a massive THANK YOU. For your brilliance, your authenticity, and your unwavering dedication to the craft of poetry. Your words illuminate corners of our hearts we didn’t know needed light, and they remind us why we gather here, in this beautiful place, to create, to reflect, and to connect.
Read her latest poems here:
👉 Hilary Sideris at Gargoyle Magazine — https://gargoylemagazine.com/hilary-sideris/
We can’t wait to see what new wonders your words will bring next year.
Read below our personal favourite:
Feta
Konstantina drives me to the beach,
brings takeout pork. I ask about her kids,
but she said ribs—same word in Greek
when spoken fast. I want to know who built
the medieval tower between the red
& white smokestacks along the quay.
Venetians, Franks? She waves away a fly,
closes her eyes & with both shoulders,
shrugs—yparchoun polloi—there are many.
What about the half-built church
in the pine grove, its floor littered
with yellow shell casings, the green-black
snake lifting its head along the road,
but clearly dead? She says today
my president called feta Swiss.
What kind of world is this for kids?
A few words about Hilary
Hilary Sideris is the author of the poetry collections Calliope (Broadstone Books, 2024), Liberty Laundry (Dos Madres Press, 2022), Animals in English (Dos Madres Press, 2020), The Silent B (Dos Madres Press, 2019), Un Amore Veloce (Kelsay Books, 2019), The Inclination to Make Waves (Big Wonderful LLC, 2016) and Most Likely to Die (Poets Wear Prada, 2014). Her poems have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. Originally from Indiana and a longtime Brooklyn resident, she is a co-founder and curriculum developer for CUNY Start, a college preparatory program within the City University of New York.