The Power of Poetry: Drew Dellinger's Poem in Congress
posted by Bien
04.26.09
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin quotes Drew Dellinger's poem, "hieroglyphic stairway," during Congressional hearings on climate change legislation. (April 24, 2009.)
Filed under Poetry, Politics, Activism
17 comments for "The Power of Poetry: Drew Dellinger's Poem in Congress"
Rob Thomas says:
April 29, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Words like bombs in the halls of congress.
Paige Zinn says:
April 29, 2009 at 01:34 PM
We're so proud of the work you do. Continue charging ahead and being the voice that represents those of us less able to articulate our thoughts in such a poetic manner!
Pancho Ramos-Stierle says:
April 29, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Beautiful!
Thanks for being a master in the art of expressing love, courage, pragmatism and wisdom hermano Drew. Poetry is the Science of the Soul.
Love is the breath of the Cosmos and the Universe bends towards justice... our love and voice cannot be silenced, because this love and this voice are inside everybody.
Let's keep Planetizeing the Movement of the Ahimsa Revolution! This is the Earth Swaraj - The Independence of the Earth!
[Fighting against forgetfulness clinging to truth (satyagraha) embracing the unity of life the Indigenous Guerrilla of peace in its native eagerness for restorative justice has divided the history of the Earth Community: before Chiapas and after Chiapas. Global Justice this is the Total Revolution of the Human Spirit.]
Abajo y a la izquierda está el corazón. Hasta la victoria siempre!
If you want to be a rebel, be kind. Human-kind, be both. In service and solidarity, Pancho
Karil Daniels says:
April 29, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Congratulations Drew, on being quoted at that most important Congressional hearing! It was great to see that! Drew Dellinger reads his poetry and is featured along with Martin Sheen, Daniel Elsberg, Al Franken, Arianna Huffington, Jim Hightower, and more, in my film VOICES OF DISSENT: ACTIVISM & AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, which was shown on PBS. People can see a short version of this award-winning documentary online at http://www.VoicesOfDissent.us or for more details, call me at 415-821-0435.
Cate & Stella Cabot says:
April 29, 2009 at 03:06 PM
We had heard about this miraculous and noteworthy moment two days ago through a mutual friend. Here in Wyoming, we sing out your poetry, eloquence and this new acknowledgement of your work to the wolves who sing on ridge above our house these recent nights, to the elk, moose, deer - great ungulates of this Northern serenghetti - who are on the move now as the snow frees the land and with all those flying ones who arc, hunt and play in the turning of this Spring season. So wonderful for you, Drew, and for all of us, so wonderful! Cate and Stella Cabot
John Iversen says:
April 29, 2009 at 03:50 PM
¡Felicidades Compañero! Buen trabajo. Mantengalo. Suerte. John (Ram Das Singh)
Crystal Gloistein says:
April 29, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Drew...I am not surprised that your poetry made its way into the Halls of Congress, but I am still so impressed!! You are a major asset to our generation, to humanity, to the earth.
Jenn Weaver says:
April 29, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Drew - you rock. This is so great! Planetize it! Big love.
Kristen Read says:
April 29, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Beautiful work Drew!! Right on amigo! XO
Steve Snider says:
April 30, 2009 at 12:30 AM
My Brother...that is so Sweet. Right in front of Al Gore no less. Remember our excitement when we discovered that Gore quoted Tom Berry in the the Earth in the Balance way back in 1992! I bet by 2012 Gore himself will be quoting you...but for now to have your work quoted in front of him in the Halls of Congress is pretty damn impressive!!! Way to Go Bro!!! You must have been born in the eye of a storm!
David Eisenberg says:
April 30, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Drew, So fine. Your words continue to have great such great power! Writing this from Amman Jordan nearing the end of a 3-week Middle East trip. I'll send you an e-mail but just wanted to say how thankful I am for you and your beautiful way with words and how you use it!
Levana Saxon says:
May 05, 2009 at 02:14 PM
you rock. thank you for continuing to inspire. I think you waited to be born till they invented the internet.
Julia Norton says:
August 27, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Wow, what a moment Drew, I'm only sorry it's taken me so long to watch the clip! You are quite astounding and your words will continue to inspire others all over the world. Love Julia
Jen Chandler says:
October 17, 2009 at 05:18 PM
You are amazing and a constant source of inspiration! Your voice is important...keep going, it has penetrated the walls.
chris hill says:
January 11, 2010 at 06:51 PM
A hearty congratulations to you. Keep up the good work.
wendy austin says:
January 12, 2010 at 07:07 AM
Every time I hear those lines, I break out in a cold sweat.. What am I doing? It was amazing and inspirational to spend time with you in Brisbane, at the workshop and the poetry evening. I feel blessed.
all videos
- Some highlights from the December 9th celebration
- A Cosmology of Connection: Poetry, Justice and Nonduality
- Love in Action: Occupy Spoken Word
- Cornel West and Drew Dellinger: Drew's Tribute to Dr. West
- Drew Dellinger on Racism and Cosmology, clip #1
- Drew Dellinger on Racism and Cosmology, clip #2
- Drew Dellinger on Racism and Cosmology, clip #3
- Drew Dellinger on Racism and Cosmology, clip #4
- Drew Dellinger on Racism and Cosmology, clip #5
- Drew Dellinger poem, "planetize the movement."
- Planetize the Movement video, featuring "hieroglyphic stairway."
- The Power of Poetry: Drew Dellinger's Poem in Congress
- Drew Dellinger's Demo Reel
- What Can I Do?
- Preach Heaven Down
- The Total Thrust is Global Justice
- Spiritual Depth
- New Democracy
- Global Justice
- A New Sense of Identity
what people are saying about drew
"Drew Dellinger's well-known poem, 'hieroglyphic stairway,' has become an iconic work of art for the ecology and social justice movements."
- Felicia Chavez, blogger
upcoming events
- Mar 23: The Power of Art to Planetize the Movement
- Feb 04: Gate 2 & Gate Transformational Story Conference
- Dec 27: The Galactic Tour
- Dec 15: Local Author Series
JOIN PLANETIZE THE MOVEMENT!




Tad Hargrave says:
April 29, 2009 at 01:16 PM
drew! this is so great. i'm so happy every time i see your work and your words honoured.