Just received a poetry anthology from Smokestack Press, their latest book of poems called "Lightning" edited by Andy Croft, ISBN 978-1-8384653-2-2. It is compiled from the past issues of Smokestack poetry books. It has some powerful material and some soft and heart touching verse. As Maxine Peake states on the front cover, "Shows the vital power of poetry as a tool in our struggle, and a clarion call for change." I have selected two, not because I think they are the best, but just because they appeal to me personally.
Freedom.
The self-employed cycle couriers said
that this was the most freedom that they'd had
while holding down a full-time job
as they didn't have to bow, jump or lick the arse
of some suited up boss
the self-employed motorcycle couriers said
that this was the most freedom that they'd ever had
while holding down a full-time job
as they didn't have to bow, jump or lick the arse
of some suited-up boss
the self-employed van drivers said
that this was the most freedom that they'd ever had
while holding down a full-time job
as they didn't have to bow, jump or lick the arse
of some suited-up boss
and I think they all believed this
as they race through the streets at ridiculous speeds
dodging trucks, busses ,pedestrians,
evading death by millimetres
at least ten time a day
so that the parcels they were carrying
for that same suited-up boss
that they were glad not to work for
arrived on time.
By Martin Hayes.
On a roll.
You seem to be on a roll. So,
(while you're are at it) why not take out
Tunisia, Morocco, Syria,Egypt, Yemen,
Bahrain, civilised Saudi Arabia,
The Ukraine?
Why not take out Uganda, Rwanda,
Zimbabwe, Cuba, Venezuela,
The Ivory Coast? Why not take on
the whole damn planet (except, well,
the obvious...) ? while you're at it? Why not
invite them to high tea at No.10, form a club
for Democratic Despots and drizzle a little
diesel oil in the beverage of their choosing;
replace their scones with SCUDS and jam
with the bloods of their own freedom-fighting
millions? Hypocrisy is just so hip, darling! The
killer-coalition runs full-moons around liberty.
By Clare Saponia.
