It has been one year since President Biden took office and since poet Amanda Gorman won over so many hearts, including mine, when she read her poem, The Hill We Climb, during the inauguration. Her performance left me wanting more. I followed her on Instagram and watched her videos on YouTube, including her Ted talk. Her messages hit a bullseye in my heart and the rhythm of her words is intoxicating. I became an addict and couldn’t get enough.

In one of the videos she talks about a poem that she wrote that summarizes her roots and life’s purpose. She says she repeats this to herself backstage before every performance.

She inspired me to consider my own roots and purpose and attempt to put words to it. Here is the result:

Descended from farmers and writers,
My teachers be
Birds and bears and bumble bees,
Mosses and grasses and Willow trees.
I give voice to their stories,
So that we,
Both you and me,
May grow our love and caring,
Transforming hurt into healing.

Thank you for being here and listening to the voices and the stories that I share. May the stories inspire you as they have inspired me. And may the voices bring a smile to your face.