Fueling the Fire: The Power of Protest Poetry

Poem by Kali Hera we will not comply they raise their fists to stoke fear voices crack and break under weight of corruption but our fire spreads through the streets of waking minds grips loosen quickly power is an illusion when no one kneels to its name
photo by kali hera

When I wrote “We will not comply,” I wasn’t just stringing words together—I was pouring out a deep, unshakable conviction. This poem came from a place of frustration, but also from hope. I wanted to capture the raw energy of resistance, the fire that spreads when people refuse to bow to corruption and fear. It’s a declaration, not just for me, but for anyone who feels the weight of injustice pressing down on their shoulders.

The words reflect what I see: fists raised in intimidation, voices cracking under the strain of broken systems. But I also see something else—an awakening. Minds stirring, grips loosening, illusions crumbling. Power only holds sway when we permit it, and this poem reminds me and others that we don’t have to kneel to it. We have a choice.

Writing this felt cathartic, like striking a match in the dark. The fire I describe isn’t just metaphorical—it’s the fire of collective action, of people coming together to say “enough.” It spreads through streets, conversations, and shared truths. It’s unstoppable when fueled by courage and solidarity.

This poem is my call to resist. It’s my way of saying that even when the world feels heavy with corruption and fear, there’s power in standing tall and refusing to comply. Words may not change everything on their own, but they spark something, and that spark can ignite revolutions.