Writers' Pantry #54: New Dawn

the new dawn blooms as we free it.

For there is always light,

if only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.

By now, I expect, you know these lines by heart. And what stirring lines they are! A message to be embraced! If you’d like to read the rest of Amanda Gorman’s poem on the page, as a change from hearing it so beautifully recited as it was on Inauguration Day, you can find it here.

 

I love the (comparatively recent) tradition of poetry being recited at American Presidential inaugurations. Hard to imagine it happening back here in laid-back Australia. But then we have a different system, not being a Republic, and nothing really comparable to that ceremony.
 

The whole inauguration was splendid, I thought. I watched it in replay some time after the actual event, as there was no way I was getting up at 3am our time – though I believe many Aussies did. It lifted my heart, as I'm sure it did many, many others.

             

One of our big national celebrations here, Australia Day, is coming up on January 26th – a day marked by some controversy, as many of our Indigenous people regard it as ‘Invasion Day’, to be mourned rather than celebrated. This year, I'm glad to say, the events planned will include much greater recognition of our Indigenous culture, the oldest civilisation on earth.
 

Of course, in this time of pandemic, audiences for Australia Day events will be strictly limited; most of us will be watching on TV (which in my case, not being a city dweller, is no different from usual). It looks as if we'll have good weather; finally, after an unusually cool, wet summer so far. But we're not complaining; this time last year our skies were thick with smoke as much of the country burned.

 

So, after the many trials and traumas of 2020, we can indeed see some new rays of light, the possibility of a new dawn.

 

Speaking about her poem while it was still being written (Washington Post tells us) Amanda Gorman said she planned a message of hope ... without ignoring “the evidence of discord and division.” I think that’s an excellent reminder of what poets can do: bearing witness to what is so, even the worst of it, whilst also asserting the vision of a brighter future.

 

Dear wordsmiths, whether you are feeling discordant or alight just now – embracing a new dawn or still climbing the hill – this is your opportunity to share any writing you wish, old or new, poetry or prose, via Mister Linky below. You know the drill: one link per person, please, and we'd like prose pieces of 369 words maximum (excluding title). The link will stay open all week – but the early birds catch more readers. 

Speaking of early birds, for next Wednesday, Magaly would like us to create new poetry or prose inspired by the phrase, “If I knew then what I know now”. We can include the actual words in our contribution, but it’s not a requirement.

Enjoy each other’s contributions; I know I always do!