If you watched the inauguration today, Lady Gaga, J-Lo, and, yes, even Joe Biden took a backseat to National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. The youngest inaugural poet in US history, her words served as a snapshot in time. They were truthful and unreserved. They did not placate or soften the imperfectness of present day, nor shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. In her poem, “The Hill We Climb”, she writes:
“…we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge a union with purpose.”
One of my favourite lines calls out her desire to be President (I for one am 100% here for #CAmandaInChief2036), only to find herself reciting for one. She did not play it safe and sit in the pleasantry of the day – she directly called out the inequalities that exist, even in that very moment.
“Where a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president only to find herself reciting for one.”
I was also thrilled to learn that she is a fellow member of twinkind, and one who has worked to overcome a speech impediment. For her to go on to create and deliver such an impactful poem, at perhaps one of the biggest turning points in American history, is truly remarkable.
I implore you to her listen to her poem above or read it in its entirety. Both are wonderful. I recommend listening to it first – with her charisma, bright eyes, and joyful delivery – and then to read the words and let them truly sink in. They are the most meaningful thing you will hear today.
If this is our future – damn – it’s bright.
