Muriel Rukeyser’s The Book of the Dead uses poetry as a form of activism by shedding light on the injustice of the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel disaster. She combines real testimonies with descriptive language to give a voice to the workers who suffered from silicosis. Which makes their experiences feel personal to the readers rather than just historical facts. In poems like “Absolom,” she shares the experiences of grieving families, making readers confront the real impact of corporate greed. By mixing documentary evidence with personal accounts, Rukeyser makes sure the victims aren’t forgotten and pushes readers to face the truth of the situation.

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