Patrick Semansky/AP American poet Amanda Gorman reads a poem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) By: AP MODIFIED and last updated 2021-01-20 15:02:50-05 (AP MODIFIED) â The poet who took the stage on Inauguration Day is an old pro at ceremonial occasions, and she's only 22. Amanda Gorman has written for everything from a July 4 celebration featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra to the inauguration at Harvard University for school president Larry Bacon. Gorman performed her powerful words Wednesday at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.