Our challenge today is to write a six-line poem that has the same qualities as (from 60’s rock band MC5) Brother J.C.’s warm-up and Jane Kenyon’s poem The Shirt. Both are informed by repetition, simple language, and they express enthusiasm. They have a sermon/prayer-like quality and then end with a bang. Today’s resource took me to the National Museum of New Zealand, where I read about the community reaction to the massacre in Christchurch, March 15, 2019.
The outpouring of grief in the community led to many expressions of support for the Muslim community in the form of graffiti right across Christchurch. Much of this was quickly removed by the authorities, but the public demanded that should remain in place as a testimony. I used some of those daubed statements including Kia Hora Te Marino (a well-known Māori karakia (prayer) that translates to “may peace be widespread“) and As-Salaam-Alaikum, which is the Arabic greeting meaning “peace be upon you” and few more examples of “simple language” to create a sort of incantation against hate. I make absolutely no apologies for the forthright language.
For the love of his whiteness, he extinguished 51 candles of brightness.
Give nothing to racism; kia hora te marino
Let his name be erased like the graffiti; may their memories last for eternity.
Make no room for racism here: as-salaam-alaikum.
Fuck white supremacy, fuck white supremacy, fuck white supremacy!
Kia Hora Te Marino! As-Salaam-Alaikum!
Missives & Musings 