This is what I want to say

It is entirely appropriate that a poem I wrote in 2016 after the advisory referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU should still be relevant now, in a week where a supposedly Labour government decides to ape the Far Right and proposes immigration legislation which will make the UK one of the most unfriendly and isolated countries in the world.

What kind of society is the UK becoming? What kind of society has it already become? And it’s not just a question I have to ask of the UK, but of the world in general. Genocide, tyranny, dictatorship, the rule of supreme wealth over the common good, post-truth (whatever that might or might not be), disrespect – and any other vices and deceits you might care to add to that list – appear to be the prevalent sentiments right now. Hate and evil, in fact.

Very apposite then, that that poem I wrote then, in the bleak post-referendum landscape, should now find a new lease of life with the wonderful music created specially for it by The Big Grey Man, music which gives the words even greater impact, and with some closing lyrics by TBGM which lend the track additional optimism and determination.

Oddly enough, I had a long phone call with an acquaintance yesterday who asked me if it was better to say nothing in the face of the hate and evil which stalk the world right now, or better to say something ony to be ignored and to get the feeling of not changing anything. I told her I can’t just stop saying what I feel needs to be said. And if no-one chooses to listen, then so be it. At least, although frustrated and angry, I know I’ve said what I want to say. And this is what I want to say (and, yes, the bold is a link to the song):

I REJECT

I reject that autumn starts on the first of September.
I reject that organised religion is faith.
I reject that faith engenders violence.
I reject that one faith is greater than another.
I reject that faith and science are mutually exclusive.
I reject that one country is greater than another.
I reject that humans are basically bad.
I reject that war is inevitable.
I reject that peace is impossible.
I reject that those who seek peace are appeasers.
I reject that those who oppose war are cowards.
I reject that austerity is a sound economic principle.
I reject that the poor should pay for the crimes of the rich.
I reject that immigration should be limited.
I reject that there’s a difference between races.
I reject that there’s any difference between individuals.
I reject that Brexit is permanent.
I reject that the sword is mightier than the pen.
I reject that love is nothing more than chemistry.
I reject hate.
I reject evil.

No lo creo.
Ten valor.
No pasarán.
Ven conmigo.
Estamos unidos.
No nos silenciarán.

I don’t think so.
Have courage.
They shall not pass.
Come with me.
We are united.
They will not silence us.

I reject evil.
I reject hate.

I believe that it’s not too late.

I reject evil.
I reject hate.

And I declare that it’s not too late.