Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, after drawing wide acclaim after her stunning poem recital at President Biden’s inauguration, presented another masterpiece last Sunday ahead of Super Bowl 55.
The poem, titles “Chorus of the Captains” celebrated three community heroes chosen by the NFL to serve as honorary captains at Sunday’s game, including educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner and Marine Corps veteran James Martin.
“Today we honor our three captains. For their actions and impact in a time of uncertainty and need,” Gorman read on Sunday.
“They’ve taken the lead. Exceeding all expectations and limitations, uplifting their communities and neighbors. As leaders, healers, and educators,” she continued.
Here’s the transcription of her poem:
“Chorus of the Captains”
“Today we honor our three captains
For their actions and impact in
A time of uncertainty and need.
They’ve taken the lead,
Exceeding all expectations and limitations
Uplifting their communities and neighbors
As leaders, healers, and educators.
James has felt the wounds of warfare,
But this warrior still shares
His home with at-risk kids.
During Covid, he’s even lent a hand,
Live-streaming football for family and fans.
Trimaine is an educator who works nonstop,
Providing his community with hotspots,
Laptops, and tech workshops,
So his students have all the tools
They need to succeed in life and school.
Suzie is the ICU nurse manager at a Tampa Hospital.
Her chronicles prove that even in tragedy, hope is possible.
She lost her grandmothers to the pandemic,
And fights to save other lives in the ICU battle zone,
Defining the frontline heroes risking their lives for our own.
Let us walk with these warriors,
Charge on with these champions,
And carry forth the call of our captains!
We celebrate them by acting
With courage and compassion,
By doing what is right and just.
For while we honor them today,
It is them who every day honor us.”
We adore you Amanda Gorman, shine on!