What is it like to be “cancelled,” to be shouted down by the virulently self-righteous, and to be permitted no hearing, no defence? In Versus an essay-in-poetry by Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate emeritus, George Elliott Clarke contemplates how terrifyingly easy it was for him to fall victim – in January 2020 – to shrill defamation and scurrilous denunciation, to face “anti-social” media intimidation – all facilitated by reportage that spurred outrage rather than reflection. The result? Censorship and silencing, blacklisting and gag orders, the specialty of tyrannies, including the newfangled cult of #8220;cancellaires” and “digilantes.” is a poignant manifesto that calls upon intellectuals and radicals to never submit to impulses that intentionally, or even unintentionally, forbid debate and questioning. ponders what is truly unspeakable: injustice. is a that unflinchingly reveals the personal cost – borne by all poets who strive to “bear witness to Treasure – / despite all opposing Battery.”