FOR THOSE OF US who write poetry, its power to move, to inspire, to uplift, to matter, were evident during Wednesday’s Presidential inauguration as National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman delivered her powerful poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
To watch that 22-year-old Los Angeles poet stand before the nation’s capitol, before the new President and Vice President and so many others, and hear her deliver her poem with such passion filled me with hope.
Hope themed her poem. If you missed hearing Gorman’s poem, I’d encourage you to seek it out online and listen. Poetry, when read aloud by its author, takes on a depth missing if simply read silently to one’s self.
Gorman’s poem complemented, reinforced, the hopeful messages I took away from the day through speeches, songs, prayers and actions.
Words—like unity, resilience, strength, faith, respect, possibilities, together—resonated with me. Words that will write, as President Joe Biden said, “the unfolding story of our great nation.”
And part of that story will be the words of a young poet, who inspired hope on January 20, 2021.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
She is truly an amazing young woman.
That she is.
Her youthful confidence struck me almost as much as the words; she gives powerful hope for the future.
I fully agree.
I heard her on the radio as we were in the car. Powerful poem.
Yes, and a powerful voice for today and the future.
AMEN!
Amen, indeed!
I absolutely adored Amanda Gorman’s poem and performance! She was amazing. What a perfect complement to the inaugural ceremonies. The passion and fire that she exuded stayed with me.
I feel the same, Kathleen about passion and fire. And her voice staying with me.
What a stirring performance and yes like many others I felt she represents a new generation of hope . I marveled at her confidence and passion what a shinning star on the dawn of a new beginning.
Well summarized, Sue. “A shining star on the dawn of a new beginning.”
I thought of you as she was reading. I saw an interview with her prior and loved her!
She’s incredibly talented. Amazing. We needed to hear Amanda’s poem in her strong strong voice.