When Words Won’t Do

An empty bookshelf stands in the corner

Inhabits space where works would go.

 

Iain M Banks’ rollicking epics

Will not entrance with intricate inventiveness.

 

Volumes of Maya Angelou’s poetry

Will not move us to tears of anger.

 

Tony Benn’s diaries

Will not echo down corridors of power

 

Bob Crow’s speeches

Will not lead us into battle.

 

Rik Mayall’s slapstick

Will not give us respite from austerity.

 

Let us celebrate the legacy of those who went before.

Let us fight back, in a riot of creativity.

Let us unite against those who would silence us.

Let a new generation find their own voice.

Let us fill the bookshelf with stories of our struggles.

 

 

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You can read some more of my poetry in ‘Little Red Poetry’ (£4 pbk, £2.50 pdf e-book).

All proceeds go to build a new party for ordinary people, against cuts and privatisation. 

Copies are also available from Left Books

Tags: comedy, elegy, loss, poetry