On 13 September, English PEN launched ‘Poems for Pussy Riot‘ in support of three members of the Russian punk band – Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich – who are currently serving a two year prison sentence. We will be posting poems dedicated to Nadezdha, Maria and Yekaterina in the weeks leading up to their appeal hearing on 1 October.
The following contribution comes from poet, fairweather blogger, illustrator and part-time activist Mark Burnhope.
My reason for being involved in the project: because the Pussy Riot case is an example of what happens when governments use churches as tools to enslave rather than liberate. Because blasphemy is contextual, I don’t believe in blasphemy laws. And because poetry can make things happen.
Poem with Four Vaginal Walls
Punk rings with pink and also clink.
We play clink so get secure punk.
Rum-n-raisin licks passion pink.
Pretty in pink trumps petty in punk.
Prank contracts gag and catfish stink.
Poems: pearls to light reception swine.
Reception desks bevel under poems.
Pussy is on the prowl over the table.
The prowl is on the table over pussy.
Poems contribute paper skins to the
constitutions of water. Christian
Slater resembles crushing slaughter.
Other Poems for Pussy Riot posts
Poems for Pussy Riot – an introduction to the project
Soutien-Gorge: Ira Lightman
Vagina: Sophie Mayer
Song: Ali Smith
Abridged and Complete Biography of Olympe de Gouge: Claire Trévien
Women of the Year: Betty Doyle
Weapons of Minor Destruction: Sandra Alland
Our Glorious Leader Putin: Jack Underwood
Cat Power: Amy Key
Avoid using the word “pussy”: Charlotte Geater