Chorus of the Captains

Poets do occasionally write about sports (eg. Gail Mazur’s “Baseball,” Richard Katrovas’s “American Football"), but they don’t often recite their work standing in the stadium. Amanda Gorman did just that on Superbowl Sunday, speaking straight from the heart, thanking educators, innovators, and healthcare workers. Her words were powerful.



Chorus of the Captains

by Amanda Gorman

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 they who every day honor us.

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It’s All I Have to Bring Today