THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem

Rob Ayling, yer Gonzo Grande Fromage, writes:

"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Thom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth and Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied within seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not?

I WAS A "WRITER IN RESIDENCE"

WE WERE IN A STUDENT ART CLASS

This student showed me her clay face

with pins pushed through the lips for silence

was the mode she understood.I stared

and dared to ask her as Michelangelo asked

the Statue of David -to "SPEAK!"(Her art spoke for her

There are places and spaces of enforced silences

Of censorship ,violence and intimidation

where the necessary words of FREEDOM! cannot be uttered

You do not have to agree with me(says Voltaire)

But you DO need to SPEAK!