Activism Through Poetry: How Gerard Sarnat Uses Verse as a Form of Protest

Gerard Sarnat is not just a poet; he is a witness, a documentarian, and an advocate whose poetry challenges us to confront justice with words and deeds. Art can be both beautiful and necessary.

---

Gerard Sarnat MD has authored HOMELESS CHRONICLES, Disputes, 17s, and Melting Ice King. Gerry is published by Gargoyle, Newark Public Library, Blue Minaret, Columbia, Penn, Harvard, Brown, Yale, Pomona, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Main-Street Rag, New Delta/ North Meridian/ Northampton/ Brooklyn/ LA/ Buddhist Reviews, American Journal Poetry, Poetry Quarterly, SF Magazine, NY Times. gerardsarnat.com

---

“I must give birth.”

Gerard Sarnat, Homeless Chronicles from Abraham to Burning Man

Poetry has long been a powerful vehicle for protest, a means to bear witness, to challenge injustice, and to push for change. Few poets embody this tradition as completely as Gerard Sarnat, a physician, professor, and activist whose work confronts some of today’s most pressing social and environmental crises. From homelessness and systemic inequality to climate change, Sarnat’s poetry is more than an artistic endeavor—it is an urgent call to action.

Poetry as a Tool for Activism

Poetry has historically played a crucial role in activism, from the anti-war verses of Wilfred Owen to the civil rights poetry of Langston Hughes and Audre Lorde. Sarnat follows in this tradition, using his poetry to shed light on the struggles of the marginalized. His medical background—having built and staffed clinics for unhoused populations—infuses his work with firsthand experience and deep empathy.

Poem Analysis: Homeless Chronicles

His collection Homeless Chronicles from Abraham to Burning Man paints an unflinching portrait of homelessness, drawing from his years of working with the unhoused. Through sharp imagery and raw honesty, Sarnat captures the humanity of those often ignored by society:

“A crumpled man on Market Street, forgotten by time / cardboard sheets, scrawled stories no one reads.”

His work is not just an observation—it is a call to see, to care, to act. By blending personal experience with broader societal critiques, Sarnat gives voice to those who are too often silenced.

Challenging Injustice Through Verse

Sarnat’s poetry does not shy away from difficult truths. He examines economic disparity, systemic discrimination, and the contradictions of modern society. His versatility—moving between stark realism and biting wit—allows him to challenge injustice in different ways.

Poem Analysis: 17s

In 17s, a collection of compact, haiku-like stanzas, Sarnat distills complex themes into seventeen-syllable bursts of truth:

“City towers rise / shadows stretch over pavement / lives lost in between.”

This brevity sharpens his message, making each line a striking political observation. Meanwhile, in Disputes, his signature blend of simplicity and verbal flourishes makes his critiques even more impactful. His poems push readers to acknowledge not just the world as it is, but the world as it should be.

Beyond his poetry, Sarnat’s real-world activism further cements his commitment to justice. His efforts in healthcare—providing medical care to marginalized communities—mirror the themes of his writing, demonstrating a rare harmony between words and action.

Climate Change & Contemporary Relevance

In recent years, Sarnat has turned his attention toward climate change, recognizing the moral responsibility of poets to address global crises. His poem “Climate Change’s Suddenly Specious Seasonalities” paints an urgent picture of environmental devastation:

“Fires dance in forests / oceans swell beyond their bounds / yet we hesitate.”

His engagement with The Nature of Our Times/Poets For Science and his position on the board of Climate Action-Now highlight his belief that poetry should do more than just reflect the world—it should inspire action.

In an age of social media activism and digital movements, Sarnat’s poetry remains relevant by offering something deeper than fleeting outrage. His words ask us to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful ways.

Why His Work Matters

Gerard Sarnat is not just a poet; he is a witness, a documentarian, and an advocate. His poetry challenges us to confront injustice with both words and deeds. Whether addressing homelessness, economic disparity, or climate change, his work serves as a beacon of compassion and urgency.

As Sarnat himself states:

“For me, writing poetry is an elevated, cleansing, meditative experience.”

Through his verse, he invites us to elevate our awareness, cleanse our indifference, and meditate on the changes we need to make in the world.

Where to Start with Gerard Sarnat’s Work

For readers interested in social justice: Homeless Chronicles from Abraham to Burning Man

For fans of sharp, compact observations: 17s

For those drawn to deeply personal yet political poetry: Disputes

For reflections on aging, family, and shifting realities: Melting the Ice King

Gerard Sarnat’s poetry is proof that art can be both beautiful and necessary—a tool for activism, a voice for the unheard, and a reminder that poetry, at its best, does not just describe the world. It changes it.

---

---