‘In den finsteren Zeiten Wird da auch gesungen werden? Da wird auch gesungen werden. Von den finsteren Zeiten.’ (Bertolt Brecht, 1939) ‘When the times darken Will there be singing even then? There will be singing even then, Of how the times darken.’ (Translated by Edwin Morgan)

Totally delighted to have my poem ‘Futurist Fables’ published in @CrannogM A mesmerising cover and great stories/poems from Ireland and beyond. Thank you to the editors.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ A reminder of real patriotism.

My poem about having absolutely no idea what is going on or what to do or how to behave in the world or what anything means

The German police brutally assault an Irish woman protesting against Israel's genocide. The German state is a disgrace. It committed genocide against the Jewish people - far from its only genocide. It forced Palestinians to pay the price, viciously silencing anyone who objects

A famine "caused by cruelty, justified by revenge, enabled by indifference, and sustained by complicity." Yes: like the genocide. All this amid systemic persecution of anyone trying TO STOP IT, with false accusations of "spreading antisemitism" and "supporting terrorism".

Serialisation of my novel SO MANY LIVES AND ALL OF THEM ARE YOURS begins in today's Dundee Courier. 'Stunning novel about making the most of life – and love – while you still can. Darkly comic... laced with compassion and optimism' Sunday Post. 'Happily affirmative work' Scotsman

Yet again, the Arts Council has turned down our grant application. Although this won't deter our determination or slow our commitment to dismantling barriers in accessing the arts, it does mean we lack the financial security many other arts orgs enjoy. https://t.co/jZMx1kccc0

Check out @RonButlinMakar's latest Substack: a fortnightly serialisation of his brand new novel-in-progress: THE DIARY I DIDN'T KEEP, the hilarious adventures of the writer as a young man:

For the past year, millions of us around the world have made repeated, desperate calls for a ceasefire. We demanded an end to the genocide. We warned of a disastrous regional conflict. We were ignored. Governments have fuelled the machinery of war. Their indifference to human

I’ve signed this letter asking world leaders to stop a new war in the Middle East before it's too late. What about you?

Yes, yes, yes🌟

If you’re in Glasgow on 23 August, here’s where to go!

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland’s cultural landscape is at risk of collapse, due to continued inaction and backtracking from the Scottish Government. Please join me in signing the @_CFTA petition to urge ministers to deliver on their arts funding pledges now.

A poet explains her art to an audience used to prose travel.

I hoped to hear a nightingale in the Camargue – but everywhere there are trees they sing! Even outside our window when we arrived. In woods there’s one every few trees. We saw them plucking insects from the path. But yesterday I saw him at the top of the tree, here are photos!

Fancy some classical music for a change? My fave trio @SwissPianoTrio😍 Performances in 45 countries & on all continents (except Antarctica😉). Just now in Winnipeg, Canada. Well done, bro! https://t.co/fBm4vwY0Ei

Mind-blowing, heart-breaking – totally life-affirming. Thank you Tracey Emin and Simon Hattenstone ⁦@guardian⁩. The radical, ravishing rebirth of Tracey Emin: ‘I didn’t want to die as some mediocre YBA.’

Spot the elephant in our neighbourhood😉

About time… Israel Gaza war: ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders - BBC News