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 —

That their bodies, their names
Cannot hold
What they are called
Or given

And they are killed
For what they weren’t

The word
That cannot be killed