Ai Weiwei
he creates an underground black book
covert artist communication device
white, grey covers with adventurous
distribution (psst- gallery goers)
‘wanna incite the subversion
of state power?’ only eleven years
in prison – hooligan tactics to
counter sanctioned criminal acts
Sichuan earthquake topples tofu construction
in a cover up of her seven happy years
child victims dismembered by indifference
mauled and devalued into a state secret
making mourning subversive
police beat propaganda into the skull
of a poet’s son who turns technology
against them – fuck the motherland
this revolution will be twitterized
in Beijing, Mao Chow the cat opens a door
but never closes it behind him
slinking through a surveillance state
exhibiting an uncooperative attitude
a ghost passes him on the street
whispering the names of children
in an act of remembrance
Chromapoetica 
nice…this revolution will be twitterized…smiles…nice nod to gil…and good on him for taking matters and not letting them just be but doing something about it….not letting us ignore the children/victims…
wow, this one has a fierce pulse. very well written anna
oh wow anna – what a moving piece… i like the power of social media in “closed” countries… it helps spread certain things and make people aware of them..
Oh that was powerful .. the tofu school crushing children is an image that will linger.
and mourning is subversive.. yes indeed. this was poetry of politics.. (need to do that myself too)…
Poetry does perhaps have the loudest voice in the Halls of Dissent. I love how this smacks of pure political comment, and skirts the spiritual or personal pathways. When I endeavor to write a political poem it seems my own angst, my ego, trumps my omniscience. You get the kudos for this one, the big nod, the atta-girl, for you transport us, cajole us, teach us; thanks.
nice…bitter and angry (as befitting), but well told
A great piece, Anna.
Well captured, Anna.
Well written, and I am glad someone is remembering the children.
Really well said Anna–a haunting write really–
I love this line: Sichuan earthquake topples tofu construction. Awesome poem! 🙂
I love this poem my friend…social-media and its question on society itself.
Powerful words–that last stanza closes the deal. Very well done!
This is really powerful, a different style for you, but just as fabulous as always. Fabulous imagery to get your message across… I love the use of the cat at the end.
Just saw the Ai Wei Wei exhibit in Toronto. His style of subversion really is playful and inspiring, and he had a whole series of photos of cats along with the works on serious topics. Those cats might like yours, I think.
Hi anna
I recently viewed his installation in an already breath-taking church during the Venice biennale and it is probably THE best piece of art I have ever experienced. The idea, the venue, the execution and the ‘meaning’ will inspire me and haunt me in equal measure forever.
I regularly think long and hard about the Chinese situation and obviously couldn’t cover all my thoughts here but I think the fact that he still exists is a statement in-itself. Their movement toward ‘freedom’ is problematic but then don’t get me started on ‘freedom’ lol 😉
as ever anna, you make me think and always move me with the authenticity of your action and the reality of your heart, as it beats it’s way,with me, into the dark of another winter.
all the best, my friend 🙂
I saw a documentary on WeiWei and was moved by both his art and his actions. I think this poem does him justice–not revealing his art but revealing the man. The image of the gate in the state and the whisper is especially haunting.
This was rock and roll, a docupoem of enlightening significance and inspiration. Always so creative
i can but echo what’s been said. fine pen, anna ~ M
A real “WOW” – powerful, edgy and real!
Revolution, protest, I admire artists who elevates it to art ~ He actually has an ongoing exhibit, Forever Bicycles in Toronto right now ~ I hope to view the open artistic statement soon ~