A Poets View

The inaugural poem was written and recited by Yale graduate Elizabeth Alexander.  She is a teacher, poet, playwright and essayist who has won numerous awards for her poetry.  She was asked to pen an original work for the inauguration ceremonies.   The above video is her reading the poem during the inauguration.

I listened very carefully to each word and phrase.  I understood the message and after reading her bio understand her style of writing.  If I had read this poem or heard this poem somewhere other than during the inauguration I would have thought to myself that the work was fine though not fine tuned.  I don’t think it was good enough for the inaugural poem.  I remember when Maya Angelou recited her poetry at Bill Clinton’s inauguration and I was mesmerized by that recital.  

While I wasn’t completely blown away with Ms. Alexander’s writing I have to give her credit for being able to get up in front of almost two million people and recite her poetry without blinking an eye. 

Elizabeth Alexander Website

So, what do all of you think?

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