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.
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
Andrew Walton's Blog 