ideas remember words plague escape faith strength unity through arrest cruelty injustice
Poets & Storytellers suggest writing about the dark
The Manifesto
The Student (despondent)
These are dark times!
The Teacher
Yes. This is why we need writers.
The Student
What power do they have?
The Teacher
Have you forgotten the manifesto?
Can you recite it?
The Student
Words are our tools—
Our salves, our prods, and our weapons.
They display our strength.
they define our faith.
They carry us on and through.
Once released, they resist arrest,
They answer cruelty and injustice
With the cold finger of scorn.
They help us escape the plague
Of indifference and despondency.
To write is to remember.
To write is to make ideas solid.
To write is to create unity
In a fragmented world.
The Teacher
Do not forget the power that you have.
Remember the pen and the sword.
And write.
The Student
Yes. Even in the dark.
The Teacher
Especially in the dark.
◊
I love that manifesto.... i think my libarian has a lot of common with your professor.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes and yes! I can’t imagine a time when there are no writers. Your manifesto should be written in big letters everywhere. Especially in the dark.
ReplyDeleteOh I absolutely love that manifest!!! How powerful and hopeful and inspiring
ReplyDeleteLove the manifesto, and your poem's closing line says it all. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOMG! This is fabulous! I have saved a copy to print out and put above my desk.
ReplyDeletewow! what a powerful manifesto. It is a lovely poem that respectfully lives up to two sets of cues.
ReplyDeleteFabulous concrete poem. I love how the shape resembles a lantern and a sword.
ReplyDeleteAh ... the student, the teacher ... love the back and forth, the wisdom of both.
ReplyDeleteLove this. You brought to mind this song by Lorde:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJk6cpNCnNM
A manifesto/mantra/mission statement if there ever was one. Teacher has taught student well.
ReplyDeleteWonderful poem, and it reminded it of my HSC English teacher who had a similar attitude. He never lost a chance to show us through great literature what power words have and how they can be used like burning brands to dispel darkness!
ReplyDeleteThat last bit was the perfect end to such a moving piece. This stands out as a new favorite.
ReplyDelete