No Tears: Some Tears- Inauguration

This was my attempt to capture Obama's historic moment...

 

I looked upon the thousands

that mall held history proud and tall

(again)

my eyes were struck with pain

“I should have been there with them all…”

a certain common theme for any Black being

possibly on this entire Earth

 

Odd how this moment was a REaffirmation of worth

affirmation of struggle that sadly breathes today

ignorance that scarred the battle that led to this day

yet the screen that shows men of Tuskegee Air

women and children both dark and fair

tears of joy and cheers of bliss

the room I’m in seemed full of indifference

 

Maybe I was too focused on my emotional range

my pride in my parents and more who finally sighed

that impossible breath of relief

A renewed sense of belief in a system they fought

a dedication to change that their toil wrought

 

Yet as the momentous monologue swelled

and respectful silence fell I wondered

I can see all the acceptance and hear the cheers

but how many words fell on deaf ears?

 

Come on, now. I’m sure you wonder too

Ignorance won’t concede cause history’s on the forge

Or could it be that hard times make more color blind?

Eager to define this new politician’s time rather than crown him divine

a few claps and smiles and the ritual’s done

2 months of celebration plus since the day he won

the land is STILL sliding from the democratic wave

that washed over this land like a revolutionary wave

 

almost comic book status I’m glad that he’s here

T-shirts and stickers aside we face our fear

that depression could fall and last too long

cause that ‘cheddar’ we seek has forgotten strong

 

 

 

Can’t imagine how he’s held his calm

never shaken he’s presented his message and taken

no rest on planning his direction of service

he’s overstepped tears for determination

a dedication to a failing nation

cause the world still frowns at us in disdain

he may lead but we still must change

inside and out America must be about

finding what makes this country do

the things that make others REALLY look up to

the opportunity that this land truly brings

the just and fair things that in anthems sing

of what had soldiers in defense shouting proud

cause if you ask one now, he’d barely whisper aloud

 

Still, one can’t deny this rung bell of hope

a step on progress’ slippery slope

that God and destiny gifted us

not just those of color but all that’s just

cause this concept of ‘together’ includes us all

American or not, become community or fall