A Poet’s Flame – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw

“They started to burn the poets

But ash makes for more fertile soil.” – Khet Thi 


if they are only words
if they are only lines scratched in stone
if only poems from one heart 
how could they be so dangerous
to those with guns

so threatening 
that the flame of one 
must be put out

so powerful
that extinguishing one
wasn't enough

I hear the call of lost poets
their voices speak on 

to those willing to receive 

their light

I was stunned by this article, Where Poets Are Being Killed and Jailed After a Military Coup by Hannah Beech, New York Times. In honor of these lost poets I wanted to share their story. These words of mine feel so inadequate and that is why I am promising to remember the courage of these poets whenever I doubt the power of poetry.

May we find peace.

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Photo by Paul Bulai on Unsplash

17 thoughts on “A Poet’s Flame – Poem by Ali Grimshaw”

  2. That is a very sad situation where poets can be killed because of the honesty of their words. Thank you for bringing this to our attention and highlighting it through your craft, Ali.

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