The Velvet Revolution

 

 

 

The Velvet Revolution

 

On the sixteenth of January 1969

A young Czech martyr

Destroyed himself with fire

In Prague’s Saint Wenceslas Square

 

Who now remembers his name

 

?

 

On the twenty-fifth of February 1969

Another young Czech student

Burnt himself to death in that same Square

As did several others in the years that followed

 

Jan Palach

 

Jan Zajic

 

&

 

Evzen Plocek

 

Three architects of the

‘Velvet Revolution’

 

Who now dares to forget these names

 

?

 

Reviews

[Wayfaring stranger]

I don't if you are aware but velvet revolution was 1989. Those tree was icons of resistance but if you speak about architectures of velvet revolution . You should mention charta 77, Svata Karasek, Vaclav Havel, Petr Uhl etc. Also underground art was great inspiration for velvet revolution most famous Prague band Plastic people of the universe ,DG 307, writer Jachym Topol and his brother band Psi vojaci.Also grandfather of Czech underground culture Martin Jirous magor who became also icon. Also don't forget about Pavel Wonka who die at communistic prison etc. I just want to tho gs clear up cause there was more then 3 people. Besides I was born at Prague and I was like 16 teen boy part of our velvet revolution.

[Neville]

Thank you for the visiting my page and providing so much relevant information. However, please note, I was not suggesting that the three individually named Czech martyrs I mentioned were the only individuals involved, they were however largely instrumental in the eventual Velvet Revolution occurring years later, in as you say 1989... it would be impossible to dedicate or list each individual who martyred themselves in a single poem..... All Good Things... Neville

[Wayfaring stranger]

I don't want to be clever guy. I just find it for me like person who was born in that time at Czechoslovakia quiet thiny on information. I can also say frist two names are well known in Czech republic . I think 4 years ago HBO make movie with Czech actors about Jan Palach. Still there is great discusions in between people if this acts make any sense.Cause those martyrs believed after they acts nation will arise . But it take more years and more suffering .


There is another martyr of eastern block. His name was Jerzy Poieluszko. He was tortured and kill at one hotel room and death body was thro away into river. After this movement of Soldilarita became more radical and it was also begun of great strike At Lodenice. I am little bit nerd about my eastern Europe history one my grandfather die at Czech gulag . So I hope I was not too clever on you . Have nice sunday.

[Neville]

I appreciate the update and additional information my friend... thanks again and hope you have a great Sunday too..... Neville

[Wayfaring stranger]

Thanks I am glad you appreciate my info.

[Neville]

I did indeed my friend....

[emmajoy]

You so often nudge people to remember or learn about events and people, their causes and reasons, and sincerely thank you for stretching my mind. What we know is sometimes less important than what we should know. Those three names are now on my 'want to know far more' list, Neville.

[Neville]

Hey, emmajoy.. many thank you's for checking this oldie out.... I very much appreciate your time and reasoned considerations.. yes, do Google these three, there were of course many more... AGT's my friend..... Neville

[emmajoy]

A pleasure as always and certainly need to Google.
Hope your week ahead is a happy one. (Rarely read other people's reviews, but quickly scanned the one below, now really, really must read more.)

[Neville]

If ya do, let me know what you think.....

[alanwgraham]

Very timely Neville. We are again living in troubled times with tyrants abroad and at home. It is too easy to be cowed and take the safe way instead of putting our heads above the parapet. Evil advances increment by increment until it is too late. Well done for your own eloquent reminder.
All the best Alan

[Neville]

Thank you Alan.. you are of course absolutely spot on with your deduction.... many thanks my friend... Neville

[Onlyme]

Exactly Neville how speaking out poetry and the written word can take hold and make actions speak louder and remember the fallen.

[Neville]

Thank you Dee for considering and commenting on these words, much appreciated.... Neville

[Onlyme]

Neville, more power to you. Your pen and words, poems speak loud and are heard.

[Neville]

cheers Dee... N

[Lyn Anderson]

In a world of facts at a touch of Google we forget too much.

[Neville]

Darn true.... many thanks Lyn.. visit not only welcome but truly appreciated.... Neville

[Ken Simm.]

I certainly didn't. This is perhaps what poetry should be for. Or one of the most important reasons. To educate and show how some can make the difference.
You have done this Neville.

[Neville]

Thank you Ken.. you are very kind... N

[Chris Shaw]

The non violent transition of power, the end of communism after 41 years. Yet these students martyred themselves in support of their cause. I did not remember any of them. I sincerely hope they are remembered nearer to their home. You've remembered them Neville, so their plight must have touched you.

Chris

[Neville]

Thank you Chris... they are remembered & true...

[Circe]

this is powerful.. you inspire passion for humanity... you are like a poetic journalist who really cares about the world and the people in it.

[Neville]

Bless ya dear friend, your words are much appreciated, un-deserved but nevertheless very much appreciated... AGT's Nevill

[Sami Khalil]

Let the revolution begins...A very good poem...Thank you for the info...:)

[Neville]

Cheers Sami, Regards, N

[Sami Khalil]

^^~^^ :) You are welcome...:)