As I’ve been rediscovering my creativity, poetry (in its various forms) has been one of the primary mediums I’ve used, to publically respond to some of what is happening in the world.
Poetry has also, therefore, been a means of protest, such as following the murder of George Floyd, the case of Child Q, what’s happening in Palestine, Sudan, Congo etc.
Then most recently, the racist and anti-muslim violence and riots currently happening in the UK . If you haven’t heard about what’s happening, you can read about it in this report by Nadine White.
The Work of the Creatives
“We all have a limited amount of time to bring beauty to the world.”
Kanye West
I heard this quoted by Jake Isaac in conversation with Dr Selina Stone, on a Sunday School for Misfits podcast episode. This quote, and the conversation either side of it, was one of number of things that resonated. —I recommend a listen.
I strongly agree that we should use our creativity to bring beauty to the world. I also believe we should use our creativity to reveal and respond to those parts that aren’t beautiful.
Shining a light on them so that they don’t remain hidden, unchallenged, and allowed to destroy what is or can be beautiful in our world.
It’s the job of evil to keep you from doing your work. We have to keep doing the work through the dark times
Toni Morrison
This is the time when artists go to work.
Peter Sellars
Both of these quotes felt very timely when I heard them in an instagram clip by Female Poets Society.
This isn’t to say that we have to respond to every single issue that happens. For one thing, that wouldn’t be good for our well-being; there is only so much one human being has capacity for.
I do, however, feel that there should be some issues/occurrences that inspire, provoke or compel one to action.
Use What You Have
Know and own the power of your creativity. Creativity, in its many forms, has the potential to transform hearts, minds and circumstances.
As stewards of creativity, we should seek—to the best of our ability and with great care—to use what we have to do so.
Even when faced with something that is so entrenched (I.e. racism, fascism, anti-Muslim hate/Islamophobia, genocide…), that it seems nothing will shift it, we may still need to act, create, respond etc. Fulfilling our part and entrusting the rest to Whomever or whatever you trust in.
Do What You Can
- What issues/happenings are provoking you to action?
- How will you use your creativity to respond and provoke others to action?
- If there is something stopping you, can you pinpoint what it is and why?
Optional extras:
- Full interview (from which the Toni Morrison & Peter Sellars’ quotes came from) can be watched on YouTube: “Toni Morrison Reads From and Discusses “God Help the Child”” at The 92nd Street Y, New York
- If you’re interested in how I used poetry to respond to the current situation in the U.K., you can do so here. I’ve also been sharing/reposting ‘Don’t Let Them Robe Your Light.’
- View some of my protest poetry