25th January 2026
REFUSE !
by Brian Topping
The TV tells me
Children in rural Africa
Are losing their sight
That charity will stop
Their slide into darkness
The TV tells me
The government says
We’ll all feel better soon
Even if we are unaware
Of the change
The TV tells me
The children of the fading light
Are scrambling for fresh water
While flies
Gather around their eyes
The TV tells me
Freedom is coming
To Venezuela and Nigeria
Through high explosive
And fire
The TV tells me
We should be prepared
To sacrifice our children
And their children
To defend the TV nation
The TV is silent on
Billionaire greed
Corporate global plunder
Apartheid in Israel
Exploitation and class division
Breaking news is breaking
On the reality of experience
Resist
Rise
REFUSE !
Like Many Other Things
More poems can be found in a slim volume of new and selected poems, Like Many Other Things by Brian Topping, published by the recently established Newcastle based, Valparaiso Arts.
This is Valparaiso Arts first publication.
At only £7 inc p&p all proceeds will go to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
To get your copy simply follow the link below.
Avanti Populo 