Amanda
Gorman's vision? See Note.
To
understand Amanda Gorman's poem (perhaps the 2036 presidential candidate in the
United States), I have updated the poem to a text written in a (currently) more
"civilized" shade. And so, "Him/She" has relocated the "nation"
to Sweden, once the most democratic country on earth (a process that varies
with time).
We climb upwards in visions and realities!
We ask ourselves, where can we find light in this
infinitely color-changing shadow?
The loss we bear, we have to wade over a snarled wetland
with.
We have defied the belly of the beast, we have learned
that "quiet" is not always calm, and that the norms and concepts of
what just exists are not always fair.
And yet it was our start, even though we did
not know it.
But somehow, we do.
Somehow, we have weathered and witnessed a country
that works. But the country is simply unfinished. And it's an ongoing process.
We are heirs in a country and a time where a girl can
come from a patriarchy, and be upraised by a single mother, who can dream of
becoming a leader just to recite herself as one.
We are far from cultured. We are far from blameless.
But that does not mean that we strive to form a
country that is perfect. We strive to create a country, with the aim of
putting together a country that is committed to all cultures, colors,
characters and the condition that man does not harm any other individual ! 💟 !
And so, we look up, not to what is between us, but
to what is in front of us.
We close down disagreements because we know how to put
our future first, but we must first put our differences aside.
We lower our arms so that we can extend our arms
towards each other.
Understanding and life goals:
We do not want
to hurt anyone, and seek harmony for all.
Let the world, if nothing else, say that this is true;
because even though we suffered, we grew,
because even though it hurt, we hoped,
for even when we were tiring, we tried,
because we will forever be bound together, winning.
Not because we will never feel defeat again,
but because we will never again divide into enemies.
The stories try to tell us what to think;
That everyone can sit under their own Oak and smell
the flowers, and that nothing should frightened them.
If we are to live up to our own time, then victory is
not the first priority.
In all the bridges we have built, we get promises to
glide on the hill we climb up for.
If we only dare!
And also, what we have failed in Sweden we inherited,
and we then also have the responsibility to repair it.
We see a force that could crush our country, rather
than divide it. Should our country be destroyed, it means less democracy?
But while democracy can be delayed at
regular intervals, it can never be defeated permanently; this truth is this
belief we must trust!
Because as we look into the future, history looks at
us. But now it's time for a fair birth that worries us at the start. We did not
feel prepared to be heirs at such a frightening time, but within us we found
the power to write a new chapter.
We offer ourselves hope and a smile to ourselves.
So, when we once asked ourselves how we could control catastrophes
and injustices, we sought the answer. Now we claim; how can injustices possibly
rule over us?
We never go back to what was, but move to what should
be!
A country that is affronted but whole, generous but carefully
daring, angular and free.
We will not be converted or interrupted by threats,
because we know our passivity and inertia. And that will be the legacy of the
next generation.
Our
mistakes become the burdens of the next generation.
But one thing is for sure, if we combine mercy with
power in the right way, then love will be our heritage that can change our
children's birthright.
So, let's leave this country behind us better than we
came to.
Every breath from my red-flaming breasts wants that;
We will shape the wounded world into a wonderful
world.
We will rise from the start of Europe's equality.
We will rise from the windy northwest of the
continent, where our ancestors first realized the creative power of the
revolution.
We will rise from the Scandinavian countries where
democracy operates.
We will rise from the lush forests. We will rebuild,
unite and recover.
And in all corners of our country, our varied people
will emerge cautiously, “lagom” and
nicely.
When the day comes, we step out of the shadows,
glowing and fearless, and when we release it, the new dawn blooms.
For there is always light;
If only we were brave enough to see it.
If only we were brave enough to be.
Note
This
text may be understood by those who care. But for the "ordinary man"
it is too extensive and deep. And it is the opposite for those who really need
to change! It would be interesting to see an pedagogically more psychologically
designed text for those who really need to change in heart and soul. Man is
complex, a mystery with emotions, consciousness, soul and body that are very
different.
“lagom” is a Swedish word for
well balance.