Amanda Gorman: The Hill We Climb
“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.
We braved the belly of the beast.
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what “just” is isn’t always justice.”
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in Gorman’s poem? Has it changed from what resonated with you the first time you heard it?
There are many times we find ourselves silent (or silenced) and following old routines “just because.” How do we recognize and enact change when thinking about this particular quote from “The Hill We Climb”?
Gorman uses light as a description for the inner strength and focus we each have. How do we support ourselves and others to be brave enough to be the light?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“It is so drastically different to hear a poem than to read it. When AG read her poem, I felt the power and the music of the delivery. Reading it, I'm awed by her word choice, her ability to paint pictures with words, and the aspirational tone.” —@LReedsbooks
“I hadn't thought of this until reading this stanza standing alone, but "quiet isn't always peace" also reminds me of the stunning quiet of depression that is the opposite of peace.” —@ScottVernaglia
“We need to share our stories, whether it's how we handled a difficult situation successfully or how we failed and survived and continued on. It's so easy to not share and to feel alone or to feel that something should be done differently but what do you do about that?” —@mcshannon17
About this #MedHumChat
“The Hill We Climb” was paired with “Young Women,” a choreographic spoken word / dance performance by Amanda Gorman and Sherrie Silver for a #MedHumChat discussion February 17, 2021 on The Poetry of Amanda Gorman.
The pieces for this chat, as well as the discussion questions, were curated by Becca Omlor (@BeccaOm15).
About the Author
Amanda Gorman carries the honor of being the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. She has written for the New York Times and has authored three books.