Amanda Gorman: Why I Almost Didn't Read My Poem at the Inauguration

[Nevilledog]

Link to tweet

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/20/opinion/amanda-gorman-poem-inauguration.html

No paywall
https://archive.fo/dQgTR

It’s told like this: Amanda Gorman performed at the inauguration and the rest is history.

The truth is I almost declined to be the inaugural poet. Why?

I was terrified.

I was scared of failing my people, my poetry. But I was also terrified on a physical level. Covid was still raging, and my age group couldn’t get vaccinated yet. Just a few weeks before, domestic terrorists assaulted the U.S. Capitol, the very steps where I would recite. I didn’t know then that I’d become famous, but I did know at the inauguration I was going to become highly visible — which is a very dangerous thing to be in America, especially if you’re Black and outspoken and have no Secret Service.

It didn’t help that I was getting DMs from friends telling me not-so-jokingly to buy a bulletproof vest. My mom had us crouch in our living room so that she could practice shielding my body from bullets. A loved one warned me to “be ready to die” if I went to the Capitol building, telling me, “It’s just not worth it.” I had insomnia and nightmares, barely ate or drank for days. I finally wrote to some close friends and family, telling them that I was most likely going to pull out of the ceremony.

I got some texts praising the Lord. I got called pathologically insane. But I knew only I could answer the question for myself: Was this poem worth it?

*snip*

[CTyankee]

1. I don't blame her! It's pretty awesome to be asked in the first place.

I'm an old lady but I'd be pretty terrified, too!

[MagickMuffin]

2. I am so glad Amanda reconsidered, She made an impact on a lot of Americans

and probably worldwide. I definitely understand why she had doubts, I did too, about going ahead with the Inauguration because of Jan6. But everything we went through was awesome to witness that day a year ago.

[2naSalit]

3. All those thoughts...

went through my head as I watched her recite that amazing poem. And I marveled at her bravery as I wondered what she was thinking.

[Blue Owl]

4. Dear Amanda... the poem was beyond worth it

I was and still am inspired by her writing… she has a true gift that should not and cannot be silenced!

[FSogol]

5. +1 This n/t

[WA-03 Democrat]

8. Other than Joe and Jill

Amanda was the best part for me!

[Tanuki]

6. I was amazed at how poised and confident she seemed that day

and remember thinking what a great reading she gave and how I would have been too nervous at her young age just from ordinary "stage fright" at the thought of standing before the whole world! I am so glad she worked through the understandable fear she had for her very life and gave that inspiring reading of a poem that so perfectly captured the moment.
Well done, Amanda!
💕

[MontanaMama]

7. I feared for everyone on the inaugural stage that day.

I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Amanda Gorman...or her mother! They're both very brave.

[barbtries]

9. i can't read the full article due to the paywall,

but i think the real question was "Is the country worth it?"

Her poem rose to the occasion. Fortunately for us all, she recognized that and carried on despite her (valid) fear.

[Nevilledog]

11. I always include a no paywall link. Does it not work for you?

[mountain grammy]

15. Worked for me and thank you for that

and this post. She's an amazing young woman.

[barbtries]

16. i didn't even try it!

i'm so used to being thwarted that I don't even try anymore. thank you for doing that.

i used to subscribe and get all their email alerts and even on my phone I can't read what they send. I could go for at least a few articles a month for free but they give none. I subscribe to WP, the Atlantic, the local newspaper, and that's enough.

Nevilledog, the next time you post a link to NYT I will read the article. thank you!

[OMGWTF]

10. Have you seen and heard her wonderful poem for 2022?

[alittlelark]

13. That was amazing!!

[caraher]

12. It took courage for sure

As I recall Lady Gaga had on some bulletproof gear. We're living in some dark times.

[ShazzieB]

14. "For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it."

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.

May these words from Amanda Gorman's poem be our motto and our mantra as we fight to save our democracy from being consigned to the scrapheap of history.

Despite all the awfulness we're seeing in our country right now, there IS still light. There is so much of value, so much worth saving, and there are so many strong and smart people fighting on our side. We must NOT let ourselves be beaten down into hopelessness.

There is always light. Let us, as Democrats, be that light.