COMPETITION: Calling all aspiring political poets
To mark the anniversary of the pivotal Peterloo Massacre, which took place almost two centuries ago on this day, Verso are giving away three copies of Michael Demson's brilliant graphic novel Masks of Anarchy, which charts the history and long-lasting impact of the rousing poem poet Percy Shelley wrote in Italy, on hearing the news.
... Rise like Lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number—
Shake your chains to earth like dew
Which in sleep had fallen on you—
Ye are many—they are few ...
All you have to do in order to win a copy of this beautifully illustrated, inspiring book is imagine yourself in 1819 Italy—you learn about the atrocities being committed back home, and sit down to compose your own —no longer than ten lines-long—response in verse.
The three best entries will be published here.
The deadline is Tuesday 20th August. Those in North America, email verso@versobooks.com. For the rest of the world, including the UK, email enquiries@verso.co.uk. Please put MASKS OF ANARCHY in the subject line or your entry may not be counted. The winners will be announced on Thursday 22nd August.
Please do not post the answers on Facebook, Twitter or anywhere else—entries accepted by email only. Any comments posting the answers will be deleted.
Good luck!