Sorry, Joe. The Inaugural Poet Was the Showstopper This Year

By: Alana Esposito

Sure, J-Lo and Lady Gaga performed, but it was the 22 year old poet from Los Angeles that captured America’s attention (well, the attention of those who weren’t meme-ing Bernie Sanders) with her poem, “The Hill We Climb.”

Dressed in a bright yellow coat with a caged bird ring gifted by Oprah (in reference to a previous inaugural poet, Maya Angelou), Amanda Gorman, who was the first US Youth Poet Laureate, brought much needed vibrancy, youth, and hope to the inauguration. She captivated the audience with her five minute poem on unity in America.

“We've learned that quiet isn't always peace,

and the norms and notions

of what just is

isn't always just-ice.”

Amanda Gorman recited plenty of poetry in public during her stint as Los Angeles’ Youth Poet and as the US Youth Poet. But it was during a recitation at the Library of Congress where Dr. Biden, the newly minted First Lady, saw her perform that crystalized the Bidens’ first choice for the inaugural poet. 

As the youngest inaugural poet ever and during a time of reckoning with the racism that has plagued America for generations, Gorman doesn’t shy away from the moment, she rises up to it. Her voice is filled with authority as she recites the words she’s crafted that America needs to hear. Her confidence radiates when she performs and it’s clear to see the love she has for what she does.

“We the successors of a country and a time

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.”

What stands out to me about Gorman’s poetry is her hypnotizing rhythm and captivating rhyme. Her delivery, both her gestures and emphasis, makes her presentation a must-watch. The poetry speaks for itself, but Gorman’s performance elevates it to a level of its own. It’s a masterclass in spoken word poetry.

“It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit,

it's the past we step into

and how we repair it.”

Gorman, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, grew up with a single mom who worked as an english teacher. She suffered from a speech impediment, like the 46th President, which she credits poetry for helping her overcome. In interviews, she recalls that she would practice singing along to Leslie Odom Jr.'s  “Arron Burr, Sir,” the song from Hamilton, to practice the letter -r which she struggled to pronounce through college. She even managed to incorporate a few lines from Hamilton into her poem. 

But Gorman draws her inspiration from more than plays that are pop culture phenomenons. Her mantra, which she repeats every time she goes to perform is “I am the daughter of Black writers. We are descended from freedom fighters who broke their chains and changed the world. They call me.”

Gorman said that the insurrection that took place on January 6 helped solidify the vision of unity that she believed the country desperately needed at that point. 

“We've seen a force that would shatter our nation

rather than share it.

Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.

And this effort very nearly succeeded.

But while democracy can be periodically delayed,

it can never be permanently defeated.”

That evening, she spoke to James Cordan and Anderson Cooper on their respective shows, impressing both with her remarkable story and ability. In interviews, she speaks of the importance of poetry in our lives with precision. Pointing out the necessity in accessible art. 

Gorman captured America’s attention, making poetry modern and showcasing its accessibility, during a moment of much needed change and hope. And even moreso, she was a shining example for young Black girls watching across the nation that their voices mattered.

“When day comes we step out of the shade,

aflame and unafraid,

the new dawn blooms as we free it.

For there is always light,

if only we're brave enough to see it.

If only we're brave enough to be it.”