At the inauguration ceremony of President Joe Biden, Amanda Gorman, the 22 year-old poet laureate, read her poem “The Hill We Climb” which begins with the words: “We ask ourselves when can we find light in this never-ending shad e ?” She goes on to say that: “Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished…. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.” And, “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.” She concludes “...there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Inspiring, uplifting words for sure — and a theme appropriate not just for an inauguration - but for all periods of new beginnings, such as the Spring se ason.
There are countless articles offering advice on how to get that light. For example, former speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan and columnist for the Wall Street Journal writes Peggy Noonan writes: “You have to go into this year with dreams, there’s no other way to do it.”
New York Times columnist, David Brooks had some advice of his own in his recent farewell column entitled “Time to Say Goodbye.” He expressed his view that America has become “a sadder, meaner, and more pessimistic country.” He quoted a new study that finds 69% of Americans say they do not believe in the American dream. Brooks argued that we have abandoned our humanistic values. He said that “the elements of our civilization that lift the spirit, nurture empathy, and orient the soul now play a diminished role in national life... and humanism is any thing that upholds the dignity of each person is missing in America lately.” Although a daunting insight, Brooks did offer some hope in the otherwise bleak picture he painted, proclaiming, “One of the most exciting things in American life today is that a humanistic renaissance is already happening….” America, according to Brooks, can turn the page.
So, in keeping with the spirit of new beginnings associated with Spring, now seems like a good time to start. It’s a time for healing, a time to strive forward to create the nation we deserve to live in. It’s a time for us, as a nation, to be who we are meant to be and who we need to be for present and future generations. Spring has sprung and so must we. We need to get into action — to begin to exemplify the spirit that’s always been within us but has been dormant for far too long. Let’s use the start of this new season to embark on and embrace fully a fresh star t that will guide us toward better days instead of longing for days gone by.
Spring is a good time to start, I am confident that Amanda Gorman would agree. The theme of her 2021 poem is as relevant today as then. It’s about healing America and striving to create a healthier nation, saying: “We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts. So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left w ith. Clearly, the hill we must now climb is very steep, but the rewards are even greater. To help get us there, try to remember the things you enjoyed before our world was upended, and let’s work to get them back — but even better. Not only for us, but for our children and grandchildren. Yes, Spring has sprung and some may wonder, what to do about it? Embrace it, let its spirit guide us and start to climb that hill.”
