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Valentines Day poet jailed
Love poetry meant for Valentines Day has resulted in the arrest of Burma ’s poet Saw Wei. As of now (23 January 2008) no-one knows what will befall him.
The poem cryptically denounced junta leader Than Shwe’s love of power. The hidden message spelt out "General Than Shwe is crazy with power." A sentiment with is extremely offensive and unlawful under the country’s unwritten laws.
Government critics are used to such creative avenues for making their voices heard. In 2007 a ‘tourist advert’ appeared all main Burmese newspapers with a concealed message "Killer Than Shwe". The government was not amused, especially after realizing that the company which commissioned the advert was non existing.
The Rangoon magazine, The Love Journal was a sell-out after a few readers unveiled the message. Word went out and the journal became an instant hit. |
The arrested Burmese poet - Saw Wei
Saw Wei is an organizer and leader of the White Rainbow poetry recital group; a writers and artist gathering to help AIDS orphans. His recital group had a very successful poetry reading in April 2006.
If poetry is the art of creating imaginary gardens with real toads (Marianne Moore), Then Saw Wei is a poet and a half. The toads are now hounding him. |
