Editorial
We stand for humanity
Translated by Francis Combes (France)
An international statement by Poets of the Planet We, Poets of the Planet, an international network of poets, watch with anguish as violence once again descends upon civilian life. War is not a distant event for those beneath it – it shatters days, nights, and the fragile continuity of ordinary existence. Reports of casualties, including civilians, remind us that those who did not choose this conflict pay the highest price, especially children, who should be learning the language of wonder, not the language of sirens. We stand against injustice in every form – against fascism, dictatorship, occupation, and all systems that crush human dignity. Yet we refuse the lie that war can restore justice or secure peace. No banner, no grievance, no claim to righteousness grants the moral right to terrorize civilians or sacrifice the innocent.
Criticism
Open letter to the United Nations : Ceasefire now !
Translated by Francis Combes (France)
On March 9th, an open letter was sent to the United Nations Secretary General to convey our message of peace. We call on the planet's poets, artists, intellectuals, men and women to shout: Enough is enough! More than 250 persons have already signed!
Ceasefire! Let's act together to save the chances of life on Earth!
Interview
In memory of the eponymous artist Heba Zagout
Translated by Francis Combes (France)
Heba Zagout is a tanka in Irish and English (5-7-5-7-7 syllables), by Gabriel Rosenstock, in memory of the eponymous Palestinian artist. HEBA ZAGOUT / it is difficult / to reassemble a dove / to get the wings right / and, of course, the beating heart / the most difficult of all.
Book reviews
Chaîne mondiale des poèmes pour la paix : Halte au feu !
Translated by Francis Combes (France)
Quand s’est déclenchée la guerre en Ukraine, nous avons lancé, au sein du mouvement international des poètes, l’idée d’une Chaîne mondiale des poèmes pour la paix. Et nous avons malheureusement toutes les raisons de la poursuivre : Israël, Gaza, Beyrouth, le Yemen, le Soudan... on recense plus de 56 conflits tout autour de la planète, avec un risque sérieux de troisième guerre mondiale.
Events and news
Second Jack Hirschman International Poetry Prize
Translated by Francis Combes (France)
Poets of the Planet invites its members to nominate a poet whose work combines literary excellence with a commitment to justice, peace, freedom and human dignity.
On December 13, 2024, the 91st anniversary of the birth of the American poet Jack Hirschman, Poets of the Planet established an international poetry prize in his name.
