I would say that American poetry has always been a poetry of

In the vast tapestry of American poetry, there lies a fundamental thread that has been woven through the works of poets from the nation’s very beginning. Mark Strand speaks of this when he says, "I would say that American poetry has always been a poetry of personal testimony." What Strand is invoking here is a tradition within American poetry that is not only concerned with grand abstractions or universal themes, but one that is deeply rooted in the individual experience. From the early works of Walt Whitman to the modern voices of poets like Langston Hughes and Sylvia Plath, American poetry has always sought to offer a personal lens through which the world is examined, understood, and expressed.

The very origin of American poetry was born from the personal testimony of a new nation—one seeking to define itself not just politically but spiritually and artistically. Walt Whitman, one of the most iconic figures in American letters, began his poetry with an unapologetic expression of self. His groundbreaking collection Leaves of Grass was not just a reflection of the American landscape, but an exuberant testimony of individuality, freedom, and identity. Whitman wrote not as a detached observer, but as someone who felt compelled to speak from the depths of his own experience, using language to break through the confines of personal limitations and claim a larger human voice. His poetry is personal, but in its personal expression, it becomes universal—resonating with anyone who reads it, offering not only a testimony of Whitman’s life but of America itself.

Throughout the evolution of American poetry, this personal testimony has remained a defining characteristic. Consider Emily Dickinson, whose poems, though often brief and mysterious, are filled with the essence of her own inner world. Dickinson’s reclusive life and introspective nature led her to write poetry that was intensely personal—a deep exploration of faith, mortality, and self-awareness. Her works are testimony to the unseen struggles of the human soul. Though she did not seek fame, her poems speak with a voice so distinctive that they invite readers to see the world through her eyes. In this way, her work—though personal—becomes a mirror for all who seek to understand the deeper currents of the human heart.

Similarly, Langston Hughes, in his poetry during the Harlem Renaissance, wrote with a direct personal testimony to the Black experience in America. His words were not just poetic but political, offering a testament to the struggles, joys, and sorrows of African Americans during the early 20th century. Hughes’ ability to speak directly and passionately about race, identity, and social justice in poems like The Negro Speaks of Rivers created a bridge between the individual and the collective, making his testimony both deeply personal and undeniably universal. His poetry was a reflection of his own life, but through it, the lives of countless others were given voice.

This tradition of personal testimony is not exclusive to the past. In the modern era, poets such as Sylvia Plath continued this tradition of turning personal experience into poetry that speaks to the human condition. Plath’s work is undeniably personal, often revealing her most intimate struggles with mental health, identity, and self-doubt. Her collection Ariel has become a cornerstone of confessional poetry, where the poet exposes her soul, allowing the reader to witness her vulnerabilities and tragedies. In sharing her personal testimony, Plath did not simply recount her own experiences—she created a space where others could find their own emotions reflected back at them, a cathartic space that is universal despite its deeply personal nature.

What Strand reminds us in his words is that this tradition of personal testimony is what has made American poetry so vibrant and relatable. The poet, whether they are from the past or present, is not just an observer of life—they are participants, whose voices echo the struggles, triumphs, joys, and pains of the human condition. They speak from their own experiences, and in doing so, they make their testimony available to all who are willing to listen. Through their words, they connect us to the larger story of humanity, even if that story is told from the narrow perspective of a single life.

In your own life, take inspiration from the great American poets who have dared to speak their truth. Do not shy away from personal testimony, for it is in sharing your own experience—however specific or individual—that you may touch the hearts of others. Poetry is not simply the art of beautiful language or intricate structure; it is the art of truth-telling. Whether you are a poet, an artist, or a person who simply seeks to understand the world, remember that your voice, your experience, is worth sharing. Through your testimony, you may create not just art, but a bridge between yourself and others, a connection that transcends time, culture, and background.

Let Mark Strand’s insight guide your creative journey. In your art, whether it be poetry, painting, music, or any form of expression, dare to make it personal. Do not be afraid to reveal yourself through your work, to offer your testimony to the world. Just as Whitman, Dickinson, Hughes, and Plath transformed their personal experiences into works that resonate across time, so too can you find the power in your own personal testimony. Through it, you will not only find your own voice but create something that speaks to the hearts of others, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.