For All

In this international anthology we showcase works by 87 poets and 10 artists, from 20 countries, in 10 languages, on the theme For All. On the cover we offer a red carnation to represent both resistance and community. These poems and art works explore and celebrate what is at stake for all of us and what we can do together. As artists we refuse to cede the future to the billionaires and dictators, to the power of capital and those who wield it. Poetry provides an essential voice to address the struggle to preserve democracy by standing together. Democracy is in danger all over the world. Every day communities and habitats are destroyed. Sexism, classism, and racism flourish. Democracy as we know it is not serving the needs of large numbers of people. The oligarchs, much smaller than 1%, make the key decisions and choose to create a world in which many people starve and many work ceaselessly but cannot pay their bills. A planet where climate change continues to warm and weather goes wild. Wars, starvation, loss of habitat, mass migrations all result from actions of the oligarchs but are left for other people to suffer. The ruling elite care only about power, tolerate the appearance of democracy as long as it does not threaten their power, and fund populist authoritarian politicians toward perpetuating those ends. But a new generation has risen up to protest war and the slaughter of innocents. Poets, artists and all creative people can seize this opportunity to focus our powers toward creating a more just and enlightened world For All. We ask that you walk thoughtfully through these pages and take whatever inspiration you may find. "All for one and one for all." D'Artagnan.