Heretics

When they are dead
They are exalted — centuries later
Statues in public squares
Plaques, streets, shrines

They are called
Founders —
Mystics, saints
Prophets and martyrs

When they are alive
Heretic, blasphemer
Deluded, dangerous
They see —

Their bodies, their names
Cannot hold
What they are called —
Given

And they are killed —
For what they weren’t —

The word
That cannot be killed