Tuesday, January 20, 2009

New Era


I always like to think something good's on its way...
Today I watched the Presidential Inauguration
All those thousands & thousands of hopeful smiles
the rejoicing
the so ready semi-fumbled promise
the poet's dream of a reality of expanding light
the old minister's quaint & funny prayer
& I felt my heart swell
It did swell with appreciation
as my eyelashes grew crisp with salt
& I knew myself again
as part of my country
whatever that entails
part of a good intention
sometimes managed badly
as all human effort must be
even the best
which this could yet still be
the best we could hope for
for now