Inaugural Thoughts

You know, I may not be nationally known (and in the climate in this country, I'd rather NOT be, thank you!), but I DO know I could have written a MUCH better poem than the one showcased in the Inauguration! Maybe it's my English teacher snootiness coming out, but I haven't been too impressed by the poems that have been shared with the USA and the world recently.  Don't all kill me now, but that's just me! I am, to put it plainly, underwhelmed! 

Just as a poem, it did absolutely nothing for me. I love poetry (and I know I am in a minority in this!) but I think a poem for an Inauguration needs to be grand, in honor and recognition of the grandeur of the occasion. Which is not to say it can't be about ordinary things, and ordinary people, but you know, the best poets make the ordinary grand without too much effort!  And is there supposed to be some kind of time limit on the poem?  In other words, is it supposed to be five minutes long, even if it's the worst five minutes of the entire ceremony?  Good grief!!  The two "prayers" were unsatisfying to me as well. 

The music, however, was stellar!  The soloists were brilliant, and Brooklyn Tab...priceless!!  I did hear echoes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Mr. Obama's speech...and I approve, Mr. President! 

Maybe what I'll do the next time I have a minute is I'll write my version of an Inaugural poem, and then, if I'm really brave, I'll send it to the Chief! See if he and his lady would agree with me that I could have done a far better job of it!