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A review by slightlyliterary
Picking off new shoots will not stop the spring: Witness poems and essays from Burma/Myanmar (1988-2021) by ko ko thett, Brian Haman
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
"Not only does this corpus of writing demonstrate the power and possibilities of the written word when faced with the barrel of a gun, but it also reveals Burmese writing to be aesthetically accomplished and significant. In this respect, witness writings from Myanmar should not be understood merely as a local phenomenon with only local relevance, but rather seen within the international context of recent resistant art movements.”
Picking off new shoots will not stop the spring is a collection of poetry and prose written by the people of Burma, with its content focusing on the events of the 2021 coup and the fight for democracy throughout its history.
Here, they have a space and voice to share their various experiences; and while they are all heartbreaking and painful to read, these various authors also retain their hope and conviction of a better future for themselves and their country. From spring to footwear, they take what has been thrown at them with grace and return it with an unending flame that continues to burn to this day. As someone who isn't part of this community, I feel it's only right for me to urge you to read this collection and hear from the people themselves.
Some stories/poetry that continue to linger in my mind are:
Two Words I Hate The Most - Commentary on the inaction of international governments in the face of violence, though I find this to be applicable to the general public as well.
The Noble - Recognises the bravery and legacy of those who resist; "The message continues to travel far and wide. Never believe for a moment that the black-hearted have won."
Shifting Targets and the Transformation of the Spring Revolution - An account of the progression of the Spring revolution in 2021, highlighting the heart, strength and solidarity of the people in the face of increasing violence.
Fearless Tiger - A poem written by Hanthawaddy U Win Tin while he was in prison; "I won't lose hope, I won't give up, / Now I'm the anvil, later the hammer;"
What's going on? - A poem criticising the junta that was widely circulated during the 1988 Uprising and has made a comeback after the 2021 coup.
Thank you to Ethos Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. A free e-book copy is available on their website for anyone interested!!
Picking off new shoots will not stop the spring is a collection of poetry and prose written by the people of Burma, with its content focusing on the events of the 2021 coup and the fight for democracy throughout its history.
Here, they have a space and voice to share their various experiences; and while they are all heartbreaking and painful to read, these various authors also retain their hope and conviction of a better future for themselves and their country. From spring to footwear, they take what has been thrown at them with grace and return it with an unending flame that continues to burn to this day. As someone who isn't part of this community, I feel it's only right for me to urge you to read this collection and hear from the people themselves.
Some stories/poetry that continue to linger in my mind are:
Two Words I Hate The Most - Commentary on the inaction of international governments in the face of violence, though I find this to be applicable to the general public as well.
The Noble - Recognises the bravery and legacy of those who resist; "The message continues to travel far and wide. Never believe for a moment that the black-hearted have won."
Shifting Targets and the Transformation of the Spring Revolution - An account of the progression of the Spring revolution in 2021, highlighting the heart, strength and solidarity of the people in the face of increasing violence.
Fearless Tiger - A poem written by Hanthawaddy U Win Tin while he was in prison; "I won't lose hope, I won't give up, / Now I'm the anvil, later the hammer;"
What's going on? - A poem criticising the junta that was widely circulated during the 1988 Uprising and has made a comeback after the 2021 coup.
Thank you to Ethos Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. A free e-book copy is available on their website for anyone interested!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Violence, and Police brutality