The 2025 Massachusetts Poetry Festival

As political rhetoric intensifies and actions threaten democratic norms, poets are uniquely positioned to illuminate the subtle yet serious dangers of authoritarianism. In this compelling reading and discussion, four poets explore poetry’s power in confronting the erosion of democracy, amplifying marginalized voices, and demanding vigilance.

Two panelists bring firsthand experience of living under or writing about authoritarian regimes, offering urgent perspectives on oppression and resistance. The others address the struggles of communities disproportionately affected by today’s political landscape in America, where systemic inequities and rising extremism pose real threats to civil liberties.

Through their poetry, these writers examine how language can expose and challenge power, serving as both a mirror to society and a force for advocacy. They will discuss poetry’s role in bearing witness, preserving truth, and mobilizing collective awareness in moments of democratic fragility.

This event invites audiences to consider how poetry not only documents history but also intervenes in it, reminding us that in times of crisis, poets are both chroniclers and catalysts for change.