#WATWB – We are the World Blogfest – Call for Unity – The Hill We Climb – Amanda Gorman
Welcome back to a new year of #WATWB – The We Are The World Blogfest. We’re a group of writers who’ve joined this group, started by author Damyanti Biswas who invites writers to join in the last Friday of every month and share a post about something good going on in the world, to deflect from the negativity.
I was so moved by this young girl when I heard and watched her speak at President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Never mind that I went through a box of Kleenex that day, but this young girl, Amanda Gorman, who had a speech impediment like the president does too, overcame and was made a Poet Laureate by the President, chosen by his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, to read her poem at his inauguration. Have a listen for 5 minutes and 56 seconds, and watch the eloquent poise of this girl and the words that came from her heart. *Kleenex alert!
If you’d like to read the words of Amanda’s poem, Elle Magazine has kindly quoted the whole poem as well as shared another powerful poem Amanda had published in Elle UK in 2018.
The Hill We Climb
If you’d like to join us by sharing a post, visit our WATWB Facebook group to add your link.
This month’s host are: Sylvia McGrath, Simon Falk
Shilpa Garg, Mary Giese , and Belinda Witzenhausen.
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dgkaye
D.G. Kaye is a nonfiction/memoir writer, who writes from her own life experiences and self-medicates with a daily dose of humor.
46 Comments
Pete Springer
One thing I’m sure of in life is that we all need role models. I can’t help but think there were many young people, particularly ones who might be dealing with a speech impediment, who were inspired by Amanda. Even though she speaks with the assurance of a confident public speaker, she looks much younger than she is. I was surprised to learn that she is 22.
dgkaye
I agree Pete. I thought she was a teenager from her looks, but her stature and confidence was over the top. I could watch her over and over and still need a new Kleenex. 🙂
Toni Pike
HI Debby, Amanda Gorman was stunning, not only for her poem but also her amazing confidence and presentation. Thanks for sharing this. Toni x
dgkaye
I absolutely agree Toni. Thank you <3
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dgkaye
Thank you Sal, for sharing this beautiful story <3 xx
sally cronin
A wonderful way to end the week Debby. This young woman and her inspirational words reached out around the world and touched all our hearts. A great deal of healing is needed between nations and Amanda Gorman went a long way to achieve that.. lovely post..♥
dgkaye
Oh how I concur Sal. Amanda made her mark in the world and in our hearts <3 xx
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Debbie – yes I concur … such a brilliant orator – let alone such a creative … she was so poised – it was a pleasure listening to her. I was very moved listening to her words … what a wonderful #WATWB post … thank you – stay safe – Hilary
dgkaye
Thanks so much Hilary. I could listen to that girl for hours. <3
Marian Beaman
I saw Amanda Gorman recite her poem live during the Inauguration. Then I printed out the transcription. Wow, oh wow!
Someone has said that with this poem she is placing her little feet into Maya Angelou’s big shoes. Probably that – and more. Thank, Debby!
dgkaye
I wholeheartedly agree Marian. She captured so many hearts that day. <3
susan scott
I watched her read this Debby and it was absolutely extraordinary. I did not know she had a speech impediment; all I’ve read about her did not mention this. No-one can fail to be moved by her words … every one of them powerful. I know I’ll be re-reading them. Thank you for the link to another of her poems which I will surely read. Thank you for this lovely #WATWB post and have a great weekend.
dgkaye
Thanks so much Susan. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve replayed that video. Enjoy reading. And happy weekend to you too <3
Mary J Giese
I guess you already know, Debbie, how much I love and admire Amanda Gorman. Thanks for bringing her to the spotlight and being part of this month’s WATWB.
dgkaye
Lol Mary, yes. She deserves all the attention she’s earned. 🙂
Jacqui Murray
She is definitely exemplary. Thanks for sharing.
dgkaye
A pleasure 🙂
John Maberry
I am so thrilled that you watched the wonderful occasion that included this poem–and included it for WATWB.
dgkaye
Thanks John. How could I not watch 🙂
Christy B
She is an eloquent speaker and offers much inspiration indeed! Great share, Debby.
dgkaye
Hi Christy. Isn’t she just an incredible girl? <3
Alex Craigie
The ideas, the words, the delivery, the hope – stunning!
dgkaye
Everything you said Trish <3
Stevie Turner
What a very self-assured young lady! x
dgkaye
So empowering! <3
Jim Borden
that was a wonderful speech; the words and her delivery were powerful…
dgkaye
Absolutely Jim! 🙂
Jan Sikes
This poem from Amanda, and the passion with which she delivered it is exactly what our country (and the world) needed! A wonderful share, Debby!
dgkaye
Thanks Jan. Absolutely. The world! <3
Kalpana Misra
I watched Amanda deliver her poem live, with great panache, I must add and she lifted our hearts with hope with the depth of her thoughts and her beautiful delivery.
dgkaye
Thank you. Amanda touched the heart of everyone no doubt – across the world. 🙂
Norah Colvin
Great share. What an amazing young woman.
dgkaye
Spectacular girl! 🙂 x
Robbie Cheadle
It is amazing what people can achieve if they set their minds to it, Debby. A wonderful share.
dgkaye
Thank you Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed this empowering young woman. <3
Belinda Witzenhausen
Brilliant post! For some reason when I heard her speak, I heard the voices of many beautiful and timeless poets such as Ms. Angelou. She is so poised and mature for her age…loved everything about her reading.
Thanks so much for sharing this and for being a part of #WATWB.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
dgkaye
Hi Belinda. Thanks for stopping by. I wholeheartedly agree with all you said. She was compared to Angelou within minutes of the media showcasing her. Doesn’t she look even younger than her 22 years? 🙂 x Happy week to you too. 🙂
Christoph Fischer
That was an emotional moment. What talent, what charisma, what a poem!
dgkaye
Emotional indeed. This girl is a beam of hope. <3
Carol Balawyder
This beautiful young woman deserves so much praise. Such a fitting performance for Biden’s inaugeration. What a difference a president makes!
Thanks for posting all these clips on Amanda Gorman, Debby, helping to make her a household name. <3
dgkaye
Thank you Carol. No doubts this phenomenal girl’s name won’t soon be forgotten <3
Olga Núñez Miret
Thanks for sharing, Debby. She is an inspiration. ♥
dgkaye
Absolutely! <3
Liesbet
Hi Debby! This was such an incredible performance during the inauguration. Wow. Amanda is amazing. Like so many others, I was impressed and touched by her poem and how she recited it. Unbelievably composed with zeal, intelligence, and strength. And, I kept wondering how nervous she was…
dgkaye
Amanda moved people far and much wider than just the US. She touched the hearts of so many. <3