Panagiota Romios Poet Free verse

Tribute To a Greek-American

Tribute to a Greek-American

~~Peter Kogeones, RIP~~

Owner of the Grocery Diana,
on Halstead Street in Chicago
was the merriest Greek, I ever 
did meet!
He worked day and night and
brought joy to all.
Who came to buy products or
came for wine and a joy-filled 
dinner galore.
Petros,so cordially, did greet, 
all at the front door!

Your "OPA"was filled with such
love and laughter!
I still can hear it, though it's been
decades after!
You loved to wear a cowboy hat.
How you loved America, no
question of that!

You got to be in an American movie, 
"A Dream of Kings!"
Featured with Anthony Zorba, no less.
What a great accomplishment for
you, Petros!
Your handsome, tall, brother, Theodosius, 
was so ecstatic for you.

Thank you for the happiness you
shared with so many.
And the best Greek cooking, I tested ever,
served with joy, love and laughter!

But Petros, I wanted you to really know...
for me, your ebullient Greek spirit and your
outstanding love, respect and honor for America 
was never, not for a single second, wasted on me.

What an loving and excellent example of humanity,
you were amd always will be for me.


S'Agapo!
Panagiota Romios



July 29, 2019
Noon. PST

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Caren Krutsinger July 30, 2019 at 5:41 AM He sounds wonderful; so thrilled the movie business found him. Lovely tribute, for sure! Panagiota Romios July 30, 2019 at 10:55 AM Hello, Caren..I can imagine you and I there having fun! I am glad he was in a movie. He more than deserved that honor Panagiota

Gershon Wolf July 29, 2019 at 6:10 PM Brings back memories of the old neighborhood stores (in Chicago and many other ports), now manned by the newest waves of immigrants... Great tribute, Panagiota! :) gw Panagiota Romios August 1, 2019 at 11:33 PM Was Askenaz'y's there in the 60,s? If so, I must have passed it. As I drove from Devon and Cicero to Loyola on Devon and Sheridan daily.)) Ahh corned beef on rye. Chicken soup with kreplachs. PR)) Gershon Wolf July 30, 2019 at 7:52 PM Have to admit that Ricky wasn't on my radar. I was a little bit north of you... Ever try Ashkenazy's on Devon?! :) gw Panagiota Romios July 29, 2019 at 6:23 PM Gershon, I was hoping you would recall those great neighborhoods. Thank you, he was indeed, great. I light up inside just remembering him. Love, Panagiota Xxoxo, Do you recall Ricky's on Belmont and Broadway, I worked there for a while..,)))

Harry Horsman July 29, 2019 at 4:32 PM Amazing dedication, with this wonderful poetry... Panagiota Romios July 29, 2019 at 4:56 PM Thanks, Harry. He was just a smashing human being. A true gem....very cherished in Chicago. He gave a lot of himself. Never admiring his own Greatness in a mirror, a valuable lesson, no?? Love, Panagiota xoxo

Nette Onclaud July 29, 2019 at 2:21 PM such a lively, touching tribute to peter... your words come alive, panagiota...i really enjoyed this!...huggs Panagiota Romios July 29, 2019 at 3:22 PM Nette. I do appreciate your kind words! How very encouraging they are. I'd love toast his picture, but cannot do so with my version of an iPad. Andnowhere near a PC. I may one day post it...when I have access to a PC.Petros was forever lively. Panagiota.