Adrienne Rich’s question about poets’ responsibility as witnesses and society’s conscience has been a guiding force for the speaker. Exploring the evolution of their own political consciousness, they trace the influence of poets like Wordsworth, Yeats, Dickinson, Boland, and Meehan. Poetry has played a crucial role in shaping movements for peace, civil rights, women’s rights, and against apartheid, demonstrating its power to raise consciousness, challenge injustice, and provide a lifeline for the oppressed. The speaker emphasizes the need for poetry that engages with social realities without succumbing to rhetoric, acknowledging the challenges faced by writers in addressing complex issues with authority. They conclude by highlighting the importance of empathy, common humanity, and interconnectedness in effective poetry.