Kathy Engel: Poetry as Protest – 2025 Interview on Palestine and Freedom

Kathy Engel, a poet and activist, has spent decades using her voice and pen to advocate for justice and human rights. Her work, both in poetry and in organizing, has consistently focused on issues such as Palestinian sovereignty, anti-nuclear movements, and Indigenous rights. In a recent interview, Engel discussed her ongoing commitment to social justice and the role of poetry in activism.

Engel reflected on her feelings surrounding the 4th of July, a holiday she has long viewed with ambivalence. She noted that while she used to write about the day, she now finds herself without new words to say. However, she remains active in her community, particularly through a weekly vigil in support of Palestinian sovereignty. The vigil, which began small, has grown into an intergenerational group that continues despite harassment from counter-protesters.

Engel also shared her thoughts on the power of poetry to foster empathy and understanding. She recounted an instance at a recent poetry festival where a couple left during her reading, presumably due to the explicit content of her poems. Engel expressed a desire to reach those who might initially resist such messages, hoping to show them the beauty and truth in the words, even when they challenge their preconceptions.

Engel's work has always been characterized by a refusal to separate art from activism. Her poetry collections, such as "Dear Inheritors" and her involvement in anthologies like "We Begin Here: Poems for Palestine and Lebanon," reflect her belief in the transformative power of art. She has consistently used her platform to amplify the voices of others, including Palestinian poets like Mosab Abu Toha and her own daughter, Ella Engel-Snow.

In the face of ongoing conflicts and political divisions, Engel remains steadfast in her belief in the possibility of a more just world. She continues to write, organize, and engage in activism, even when it feels like an uphill battle. Her commitment to her principles, and her ability to inspire others to do the same, is a testament to her enduring influence as a poet and activist.