Friday, January 23, 2009

Inauguration Day Poem: What if the mightiest word is love?

Several people mentioned that they would like to read the poem written and recited by Elizabeth Alexander during the inauguration ceremony. Here's a good link to the full text of "Praise Song for the Day, Praise Song for Struggle."

It's moving poem -- and even if poetry is not your thing, it's definitely worth reading over once or twice. I must admit that my favorite passage is this:
Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self."
Others by "first do no harm," or "take no more
than you need." What if the mightiest word is love?

Love beyond marital, filial, national,
love that casts a widening pool of light,
love with no need to preempt grievance.

In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air,
any thing can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp --

praise song for walking forward in that light.