Carolyn Forché’s memoir What You Have Heard Is True delves into her journey of self-discovery as a poet and a human rights advocate. The narrative takes us back to 1977 when Forché, then twenty-seven, reflected on her mundane routine of labor and poetry, lacking a clear sense of purpose. Despite her early success as a poet, she felt a void in her work, devoid of true commitment.
The turning point came when a man named Leonel Gomez from El Salvador appeared at her door, accompanied by his young daughters. Intrigued by Gomez’s belief that poetry could bridge borders and convey the struggles and hopes of others, Forché was challenged to see beyond her personal narratives and embark on a journey to El Salvador with him. Little did she know that this decision would shape her into a prominent voice for human rights in Central America.
Gomez foresaw an impending war in El Salvador, fueled by social inequalities and political unrest, which indeed unfolded with devastating consequences. As Forché immersed herself in the turmoil of El Salvador between 1978 and 1980, her perspective shifted from personal introspection to bearing witness to collective suffering. Her encounters with resistance fighters, impoverished communities, and oppressed individuals opened her eyes to the harsh realities faced by the Salvadoran people.
What You Have Heard Is True chronicles Forché’s transformation from a poet of the self to a poet of the political landscape. Through her concept of “poetry of witness,” she emphasizes the importance of capturing the truth of human experience amidst brutality and injustice. By intertwining the public and the private spheres in her work, Forché highlights the power of language to shape narratives and spark dialogue.
The memoir refrains from dissecting the United States’ role in El Salvador’s civil war but offers glimpses of American involvement through Forché’s personal experiences. From Monsignor Romero’s plea for intervention to encounters with American figures, the narrative underscores the visceral truths often overlooked in historical accounts. The sensory details Forché portrays, from the stench of burning flesh to the texture of makeshift mattresses, evoke a raw authenticity that transcends political discourse.
Through her poetry collections and advocacy work, Forché merges art with activism, stressing the obligation of the privileged to amplify the voices of the oppressed. “What You Have Heard Is True” stands as a poignant testament to Forché’s evolution as a poet attuned to the suffering of others and the transformative power of words.
