The Inner Ear

"Paper / may burn / but words / will escape."

Celebrating Lawrence Ferlinghetti, 100 Years

––City Lights storefront, March 2019-Present

The Inner Ear

"The force that through the red fuse
drives the bullet
drives the needle in its dharma groove.
-Ferlinghetti, "Assassination Raga"

 

Poetry as Insurgent Art

Lawrence Ferlinghetti

New Directions

New York 2007

 

"I am signalling you through the flames.
  ...
"Be subversive, constantly questioning reality and the status quo.
  ...
"Your poems must be more than want ads for broken hearts.
  ...
"Words can save you where guns can't.
  ...
"See the rose through world-colored glasses.
  ...
"Challenge capitalism masquerading as democracy.
  ...
"Stand up for the stupid and crazy.
  ...
"Mock those who tell you you're living in a dream world..."