Sincerely
written by: Niko Israelov
For those who speak
from their ivoriest of towers,
I ask you this:
What lies
beneath the claims you make?
Does my truth become a lie
by virtue of consensus?
Or am I falling through the traps
I’ve deemed essential to my worthiness?
I found your firm decree appalling!
and yet —
appealing.
From my stained and rugged den,
I denounce your critique of my craft.
Sincerely,
your embryonic poet.
Niko Israelov is a new poet from Israel, writing in English as a second language. Their work tackles mental illness, spiritual disillusionment, and the absurd theater of self-worth. Most of their poems first appear on Instagram, before wandering out into the world.
