Amanda Gorman is an American poet whose work focuses on issues of feminism, race, marginalization, oppression, and the African diaspora. While she was at Harvard College, Gorman was the first to be named National Youth Poet Laureate of April 2017. Gorman came into the public spotlight in 2021 when she read her poem, ‘The Hill We Climb’ at President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Read more about Amanda Gorman.
Amanda Gorman’s poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ is a moving depiction of the United States as it was on the cusp of President Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
When day comes we ask ourselves,
where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The loss we carry,
a sea we must wade.
‘Alarum’ by Amanda Gorman speaks about extinction and the climate crisis, alluding to the fate of humankind if nothing changes.
We're writing as the daughter of a / dying world / as
its new-faced alert. / In math, the slash / also called
the solidus / means division, divided by. / We were
divided / from each other, person / person. / Some
Amanda Gorman’s ‘Chorus of the Captains’ is an occasional poem written for and performed at the 52nd Super Bowl. It describes the work of three American heroes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today we honor our three captains
For their actions and impact in
A time of uncertainty and need.
They’ve taken the lead,
‘There’s No Power Like Home’ by Amanda Gorman is a beautiful testament to the difficulties associated with COVID-19 restrictions.
We were sick of home,
Home sick.
That mask around our ear
Hung itself into the year.
‘Memorial’ by Amanda Gorman is a poem about the past and how poets are able to use their writing to help readers relive it.
When we tell a story.
We are living
Memory.
‘In This Place (An American Lyric)’ is a moving poem about American life and the tragedies, acts of bravery, and hope that shape the nation.
There’s a poem in this place—
in the footfalls in the halls
in the quiet beat of the seats.
‘At First’ by Amanda Gorman is a poem about language in the COVID-19 pandemic. The poem uses text messages to speak about how the pandemic changed everyone.
There were no words for what we witnessed.
When we talked to each other,
Our sentences were stilted
& stalled as a telegram.
‘New Day’s Lyric’ by Amanda Gorman is poem written at the end of 2021 in order to usher in a more hopeful new year in 2022. The piece explores themes of hope and change.
May this be the day
We come together.
Mourning, we come to mend,
Withered, we come to weather,
‘The Miracle of Morning’ by Amanda Gorman is a direct message of hope in the face of suffering. Specifically, Gorman uses this poem to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and its outcome.
I thought I’d awaken to a world in mourning.
Heavy clouds crowding, a society storming.
But there’s something different on this golden morning.
Something magical in the sunlight, wide and warming.
‘School’s Out’ by Amanda Gorman is a powerful poem that explores the experiences of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement
Swung blunt as an axe-blow:
All students were to leave
Campus as soon as possible.
‘We Rise’ by Amanda Gorman is a beautiful and inspirational poem that explores women’s power. The poet emphasizes how important it is for women to raise each other and ensure everyone has a voice.
Today, everyone’s eyes
Are on us as we rise.
Today is the day women
Are paving the way,
‘Earthrise’ by Amanda Gorman is a powerful contemporary poem about climate change, the Apollo 8 mission to the moon, and the future of the Earth.
We’ve known (Stanza 4)
That we’re caught in the throes
Of climactic changes some say
Will just go away,
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