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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE

by Buff Whitman-Bradley


At least 72 protesters arrested in March 5 occupation of state Capitol building--The Daily Californian

                                                                     -- for Emma and Six

Sitting in jail
With several dozen other practitioners
Of the fine and urgent art
Of insubordination
Arrested for refusing to disperse, shut up
And meekly acquiesce
While a monstrous conflagration threatens
To turn all our lives to ash

The world is in flames
There are no emergency exits


Buff Whitman-Bradley's poetry has appeared in many print and online journals.  With his wife Cynthia he is co-producer/director of the award-winning documentary film, Outside In,  and co-editor of the forthcoming book About Face: GI Resisters Turn Against War (PM Press, 2011).  He is also co-producer/director of the documentary Por Que Venimos.
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