The Hill We Climb Full Poem Printable Version

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The dawn is ours before we knew it, Somehow we do it. Somehow we've weathered and witnessed A nation that isn't broken, But simply unfinished.

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.

And, yes, 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 our union with purpose. To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man.

So we lift our gazes not to what stands between us, But what stands before us. We close the divide because we know to put our future first, We must first put our differences aside.

We lay down our arms so we can not just dream of becoming but also break the cycle of violence and lack of resources.

Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true. That even as we grieved, we grew. That even as we hurt, we hoped. That even as we tired, we tried.

That we'll forever be tied together victorious, Not because we will never again know defeat, But because we will never again sow division.

Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid.

If we're to live up to our own time, Then victory won't lie in the blade of a sword, But in all the bridges we've made.

That is the promised glade, The hill we climb, if only we dare. It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit, It's the past we step into and how we repair it.

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.

In this truth, in this faith, we trust. For while we have our eyes on the future, History has its eyes on us.

This is the era of just redemption. We feared at its inception. We did not feel prepared to be the heirs Of such a terrifying hour. But within it we've found the power To author a new chapter, To offer hope and laughter to ourselves.

So while once we asked, "How could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?" Now we assert, "How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?"

We will not march back to what was, But move to what shall be. A country that is bruised but whole, Benevolent but bold, Fierce and free.

We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation, Because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance Of the next generation.

Our blunders become their burdens, But one thing is certain: If we merge mercy with might, And might with right, Then love becomes our legacy And change our children's birthright.

So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left. With every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, We will rise from the golden hills of the west. We will rise from the wind-swept northeast Where our forefathers first realized revolution.

We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states. We will rise from the sun-baked south. We will rebuild, reconcile and recover In every known nook of our nation In every corner called our country, Our people diverse and beautiful will emerge battered and beautiful.

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.

Amanda Gorman's Poem: An Overview

Amanda Gorman's poem, "The Hill We Climb," is a powerful and moving piece that explores themes of hope, unity, and the pursuit of a better future. The poem was written for the inauguration of President Joe Biden and was read by Gorman on January 20, 2021.

The poem begins by acknowledging the challenges and hardships that the United States has faced, but also emphasizes the country's resilience and determination. Gorman writes, "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."

Throughout the poem, Gorman emphasizes the importance of unity and coming together to overcome differences. She writes, "We lay down our arms so we can not just dream of becoming but also break the cycle of violence and lack of resources." The poem also touches on the idea of repairing the past and moving forward, with Gorman stating, "Being American is more than a pride we inherit, / It's the past we step into and how we repair it."

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery and metaphor. Gorman writes, "We will rise from the golden hills of the west. / We will rise from the wind-swept northeast / Where our forefathers first realized revolution." The poem also features a powerful repetition of the phrase "we will rise," which becomes a sort of refrain throughout the piece.

The poem has been widely praised for its beauty, power, and relevance. Many have noted that it is a call to action, urging Americans to come together and work towards a better future. As Gorman writes, "If we merge mercy with might, / And might with right, / Then love becomes our legacy / And change our children's birthright."

The Power of Poetry in Politics

Amanda Gorman's poem, "The Hill We Climb," is a powerful example of the impact that poetry can have in politics. The poem was written for a specific occasion – the inauguration of President Joe Biden – and was meant to inspire and unite Americans.

Throughout history, poetry has played a significant role in politics. Many famous poets have used their work to comment on current events, criticize government policies, and inspire social change. For example, the poet Langston Hughes was a prominent voice in the Harlem Renaissance, using his work to explore themes of racism and social justice.

In recent years, poetry has become increasingly prominent in politics. The poem "The Hill We Climb" is just one example of how poetry can be used to inspire and unite people. Other examples include the work of poets like Warsan Shire, who has written about issues like immigration and identity, and Danez Smith, who has explored themes of racism and police brutality.

The power of poetry in politics lies in its ability to inspire and move people. Poetry has a unique ability to capture complex emotions and ideas in a way that is both powerful and accessible. When used in politics, poetry can be a powerful tool for inspiring social change and uniting people around a common cause.

Why Poetry Matters in Politics

There are many reasons why poetry matters in politics. Here are a few:

• Inspiration: Poetry has the power to inspire people and move them to action. When used in politics, poetry can be a powerful tool for inspiring social change.
• Accessibility: Poetry is often more accessible than other forms of writing, making it a great way to communicate complex ideas and emotions to a wide audience.
• Emotional resonance: Poetry has a unique ability to capture complex emotions and ideas in a way that is both powerful and relatable.
• Uniting people: Poetry can be a powerful tool for uniting people around a common cause. When used in politics, poetry can help to bring people together and inspire collective action.

Conclusion

Amanda Gorman's poem, "The Hill We Climb," is a powerful example of the impact that poetry can have in politics. The poem was written for a specific occasion – the inauguration of President Joe Biden – and was meant to inspire and unite Americans.

Throughout the poem, Gorman emphasizes the importance of unity and coming together to overcome differences. The poem also touches on the idea of repairing the past and moving forward, with Gorman stating, "Being American is more than a pride we inherit, / It's the past we step into and how we repair it."

The poem has been widely praised for its beauty, power, and relevance. Many have noted that it is a call to action, urging Americans to come together and work towards a better future.

We hope that this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of Amanda Gorman's poem and the power of poetry in politics. We encourage you to share your thoughts and comments below.