Joan Baez, the legendary folk singer and activist, has written a new poem inspired by Donald Trump's presidency, in which she reflects on her lifelong commitment to non-violence. Published by The Independent, the poem marks her latest foray into political commentary through verse.
The 83-year-old, often called the “Queen of Folk”, released her first poetry collection, When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance, last year. That book tackled personal themes including her childhood, depression, and relationships with musical peers such as Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix.
In her new poem, Baez turns her attention to America's political leadership, questioning the effectiveness of pacifism in the face of contemporary challenges. The work continues a tradition of protest that began in the 1960s, when she sang alongside Dylan at the March on Washington in 1963 from the same podium where Martin Luther King Jr delivered his “I have a dream” speech.
Throughout her career, Baez has been an unwavering advocate for civil rights and environmentalism. This poem extends that legacy, using her artistic platform to engage with the most pressing political issues of the day.
