Welcome to Poem of the Day – Making Mountains As We Run by Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman, an acclaimed poet known for her impactful and resonant work, has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary poetry. Her work often touches on themes of hope, resilience, justice, and the power of unity. One of her poems, “Making Mountains As We Run,” is an exploration of perseverance, growth, and the challenges we face while striving for our dreams.
In this article, we will break down the poem’s meaning, examining how Gorman uses language, imagery, and structure to convey her message.
Making Mountains As We Run Explanation
Overview of the Poem
“Making Mountains As We Run” is a metaphorical reflection on life’s struggles and the strength it takes to overcome them. The title itself suggests a dynamic, forward-moving process. It hints at the idea that as we face obstacles, we not only navigate them but also build something monumental — metaphorically, “mountains” — in the process.
Gorman encourages readers to understand that life is not a passive experience. The act of running, much like living, requires effort, and in that effort, something valuable and transformative is created.
The Meaning of “Making Mountains”
The phrase “making mountains” is key to understanding the central message of the poem. Mountains are traditionally seen as obstacles, symbols of challenge or adversity. However, Gorman flips this notion on its head. Instead of viewing mountains as things that block us, she presents them as something we create, something that we actively construct through our actions and resolve.
In essence, the poem suggests that our challenges don’t simply happen to us — we shape them. The “mountains” represent the hurdles in our lives, but they are also markers of the hard work and determination we invest in overcoming them. With each challenge faced and conquered, we build something lasting, something of significance.
The Act of Running: Movement and Progress
Running in the poem symbolizes constant movement and the pursuit of goals. It represents the idea that life is not static. The image of running emphasizes that progress is often fast-paced and relentless. Gorman uses this imagery to remind us that we are always moving forward, even when we feel like we are overwhelmed by the size of the mountains in front of us.
The action of running can also be interpreted as a form of endurance. Life’s challenges don’t simply appear and disappear quickly — they require perseverance. But as we keep running, we build strength, gaining momentum as we go.
The Role of Resilience
Throughout the poem, resilience plays a crucial role. Gorman’s use of “running” as a metaphor for life’s journey highlights the importance of continuing, despite the difficulty. The running suggests a steady, sometimes difficult progression, yet it is necessary for growth.
Gorman’s poetry urges the reader to embrace resilience in the face of challenges. Instead of retreating from difficulties, we should confront them head-on and grow stronger in the process. The “mountains” we create are the results of this resilience — monumental, beautiful, and symbolic of our strength.
The Power of Collective Action
While “Making Mountains As We Run” is a personal reflection, it can also be seen as a call to collective action. Gorman often uses her poetry to speak to social issues and the need for communal effort in solving problems. In this poem, she might be implying that as we run together, we build something monumental — something that benefits not just the individual, but the community as a whole.
The poem’s underlying message is that individual effort, while important, becomes much more powerful when it is combined with the collective energy of others. When we support one another, we not only overcome obstacles but create something lasting and meaningful.
Gorman’s Use of Imagery
One of the strengths of Amanda Gorman’s writing is her ability to weave powerful images into her work. In “Making Mountains As We Run,” the imagery of mountains and running is vivid, evoking a sense of both challenge and triumph. Gorman’s words carry a rhythm that mimics the act of running — quick, powerful, and urgent.
By using such imagery, Gorman allows readers to picture themselves in the process of building and overcoming. These images create a tangible connection to the poem’s themes, making them feel accessible and relatable.
The Poem’s Structure and Flow
The structure of the poem mirrors its themes of movement and momentum. The lines are crafted to reflect a sense of ongoing action, with phrases and thoughts flowing seamlessly into each other. The lack of a rigid form or pattern emphasizes the unpredictability of life’s journey and the necessity of moving forward without waiting for perfect conditions.
This fluidity in structure suggests that life does not wait for us to be ready, and neither should we. We must continue to run, creating mountains as we go — mountains of personal achievement, of collective strength, and of hope for a better future.
Conclusion
Amanda Gorman’s “Making Mountains As We Run” is a powerful exploration of the challenges we face and the resilience required to overcome them. By using the metaphor of running and creating mountains, she reminds us that even the most difficult obstacles can be transformed into something meaningful. The poem urges us to embrace movement, perseverance, and collective effort, all while creating something larger than ourselves along the way.
In the end, Gorman’s message is clear: life’s difficulties are not something to fear, but something to face with strength, determination, and the willingness to move forward. By doing so, we build something beautiful and lasting — mountains that stand as a testament to our growth and our collective power.
