Poet and former lawyer Angela Costi delves into the meaning of advocacy in her latest poetry collection, The Heart of the Advocate. Drawing from her own experiences, she reflects on childhood moments as an advocate for her Cypriot Greek parents, her school years, and time in the courtroom—highlighting the gap between law and justice at every stage.
Costi sees poetry as a powerful form of advocacy. “I want my poems to take the reader from the courtroom bench to a window where they can see the horizon—knowing that justice and equity are meant for everyone,” she told Neos Kosmos.
The book will be launched at Melbourne’s historic Old Magistrates’ Court—its first-ever book launch. Costi believes the venue holds deep symbolic meaning.
“It’s about reclaiming and restoring my presence in this space, along with the presence of other women—whether as advocates, witnesses, survivors, or victims,” she said.
From Law to Literature
Costi once worked as a private lawyer but left the profession to pursue creative writing. However, she says those years in law left a lasting impression.
“The five years I spent as a lawyer are indelible,” she said. “I was marked by it, and I explore that in the book.”
Her poetry challenges traditional ideas of advocacy, suggesting that it extends beyond the legal field.
“We’re all advocates in some way,” she said. “A good advocate needs compassion, empathy, and respect. They must listen and support the voices of those who need them.”
Costi first became an advocate for her parents, who emigrated from Cyprus and struggled with language barriers.
“They didn’t feel confident reading the fine print, so I stepped up,” she said. “It felt natural for me to be an informal advocate. Some of my poems capture the challenges of a young person trying to help, especially with my Baba, who was always dealing with documents.”
Her legal career, however, left her disillusioned.
“I quickly realized I was working with outdated laws,” she said. “You’re dealing with injustice.”
She recalled a sobering moment in law school when a respected lecturer told students, “If you think law is about justice, walk out the door.”
“To be told that at the very start—that law doesn’t necessarily mean justice—was eye-opening for a young person who wanted to make a difference,” she said. “In court, those with money and power always have the better legal team. They can use loopholes to avoid accountability.”
Through poetry, Costi reframes this reality, emphasizing that justice and equity should be for everyone.
“Poetry is an avenue. Writing is an avenue. Words are powerful,” she said.
Poetry as Advocacy
Costi’s work is deeply influenced by Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos. She referenced his famous poem Epitaphios, which was written in response to a newspaper photo of a grieving mother holding her dead son during a 1936 protest in Greece.
“The mother wasn’t given a voice,” she said. “Ritsos couldn’t sleep or eat, so he wrote this long poem, which was published in the same newspaper. Thousands of people bought it, marched to it—it became a movement. That inspires me.”
Costi believes poetry is not a solitary experience but a communal one.
“When we think about the ancient practice of poetry—how Sappho performed with her lyre—we see that not much has changed,” she said. “Poetry is about rhythm, pace, and even silence. The absence of words can be just as powerful.”
Her creative journey was shaped by a 1995 travel grant from the Institution of Australian Languages and Literacy Board, which allowed her to attend a Classical Theatre Program in Greece.
“It took time, but I realized what truly nourishes me,” she said. “Since 1994, when I submitted my first poem, I’ve considered myself a writer. That was the moment I felt engaged with both the world and my art.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Writing
Extensive research went into The Heart of the Advocate, which includes poems based on interviews with lawyers.
“It’s not just a reactive response,” she said. “I wanted to unpack the law and expose its flaws with evidence.”
Costi remains committed to evolving as a writer.
“I don’t want to be a poet who stays in one place,” she said. “I love learning. Every time I sit down to write, I embark on a new journey.”
She encourages poets to engage with both past and contemporary voices.
“Poetry isn’t just about intellect or wit—it must have heart,” she said, recalling the words of First Peoples’ poet Janine Lane: ‘Has it got any heart?’
“For me, heart means truth, emotion, and rigor. Poetry can even show us another way to live.”
The Heart of the Advocate Book Launch
The book, published by Liquid Amber Press, will be launched by poet Alana Kelsall. Angela Costi will read selections from the collection, accompanied by Nick Tsiavos on double bass. Additional performances will feature Vardos and guest poet Claire Gaskin.
When: Sunday, March 23 – 2:45 p.m. for a 3 p.m. start
Where: The Old Magistrates’ Court, 377 Russell Street, Melbourne
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