Found Poem: A Shattered Nation from The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman

A nation in catastrophe,
that wades through a sea
full of defeat and terrifying laughter.
Searching for a bridge
bringing us to a new nation
committed to democracy,
A nation emerges withered and wishful
striving for a polished and pristine country 
absent of horrible hate and slavery,
and full of justice.
The shattered nation must climb a mountain
and know defeat 
before trusting its government 
and without stabbing itself with its blade.
The country rises bruised and blundering
hoping for mercy for the next generation.
Using bronze-plated knives to stab the burdens of our legacy
and laughing in the face of our history,
we emerge gold-limbed and prosperous 
excited for our future.
 

Willcox Elliott

VT

15 years old

More by Willcox Elliott

  • Tempest Tossed

    The skies are clear and the sun is out,
    the oars splash, and waves dance in unison.
    Layers come off.
    Layers go back on.
    What used to be a breeze,
    is now gusts pushing waves
    so they crash against the hull
  • People and politics

    It tears people apart.
    It brings people together.
    It creates a whirlpool of 
    debating, pointing fingers, and strategy.

    Politics has brought divisions among us
    and identity in an ever-changing world.
  • The Wolds We Visit

    When we sleep
    we drift up,
    rising to 
    a land of promise 
    and opportunity.
    A place where
    we can dream,
    and be ourselves.
    We rencounter
    the day,
    and the day before,
    going over it a hundred times