Poet Laureate Ada Limón Makes a Case for Poetry in Turbulent Times

Limón's new book 'Against Breaking' explores the power of poetry to capture the beauty and tragedy of modern life.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:21am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled page of handwritten poetry, the ink bleeding and blurring into the textured paper, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a sense of intimate, human expression.Limón's handwritten poetry engraved on the Europa Clipper spacecraft reflects the intimate, human essence of verse that persists even in an age of technology.Jupiter Today

Former U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón's newest book, 'Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry,' is a short but impactful work that makes a compelling case for the continued relevance of poetry in an age dominated by memes and social media. Limón's closing lecture at the Library of Congress, which serves as the basis for the book, reflects on how poetry can help us pay attention to the world around us and find expression for our 'unsaid pain' and 'uncelebrated wonder' during turbulent times.

Why it matters

As the world faces a 'dumpster fire of disagreement' and people become increasingly divided, Limón argues that poetry is more essential than ever as a way to capture the human experience and find common ground. The book suggests that in an age of AI and digital distractions, the unique qualities of poetry - its ability to distill complex emotions, its rough edges and contradictions - are what make it so powerful and enduring.

The details

In 'Against Breaking,' Limón reflects on a reader who told her he only wrote poetry privately, never sharing it with others. She responds that there is 'power in making private poems' as a way for people to process their 'rage and despair.' The book also explores how poetry can take on new life and meaning through different interpretations, using the example of Dylan Thomas' 'Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night' being recited in a comedic way on a TV show.

  • Limón delivered the closing lecture at the Library of Congress in April 2026, at the end of her term as Poet Laureate.
  • Limón's new book 'Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry' was published in 2026.

The players

Ada Limón

A former U.S. Poet Laureate whose newest book 'Against Breaking' makes a case for the continued relevance of poetry in modern times.

Dylan Thomas

A Welsh poet whose poem 'Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night' is used as an example in Limón's book to illustrate how poetry can take on new meaning through different interpretations.

Ben Lerner

A poet whose 2011 novel 'Leaving the Atocha Station' is referenced in the article for its perspective on the role of poetry.

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What they’re saying

“It gives me great joy to know people are writing secret poems. And if you are one of those people, I want you to keep going. Even if you never hand it to another person. There is power in making private poems. Aren't we all walking around with some unsaid pain, or some uncelebrated wonder? Aren't we all trying to find a place for our rage and despair?”

— Ada Limón, Poet Laureate

“Poets must surrender to the mess of the world.”

— Ada Limón, Poet Laureate

“For me, it's as if a poem is always being made.”

— Ada Limón, Poet Laureate

What’s next

Limón's book 'Against Breaking' is expected to generate further discussion about the role of poetry in modern society, and may lead to speaking engagements or other events where Limón can expand on the themes of the work.

The takeaway

In a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions and division, Limón's book serves as a powerful reminder of poetry's ability to capture the human experience, foster empathy, and provide an outlet for our deepest emotions - making it an essential art form even in turbulent times.