Rich published "Rusted Legacy" in 1997, as the century was drawing to a close. The poem is political, and although it is difficult to pinpoint particular events in the work, it clearly comments on the political legacy of the second half of the twentieth century. This is a common theme in almost all of Rich's work from the 1960s on, as the poet explores her frustrations with the status quo and the injustice she perceives in society. Indeed, Rich expresses her anger at social injustice not only in her work but also by being a vocal advocate for political change on a number of fronts, fighting for gay rights, women's rights, and economic justice. In 1997, the same year that "Rusted Legacy" was published, Rich made headlines when she refused the National Medal for the Arts, which is awarded by the White House. In a letter published by...