Praise Song for the Day: A Poem for
Barack Obamas Presidential
Inauguration by Elizabeth Alexander
A Hymn Of Hope
On January 20, 2009, Elizabeth Alexander served as the fourth ever
inaugural poet and a central participant in one of the most closely watched
inaugurations in American history. Selected by Barack Obama, Alexander
composed and delivered her original poem Praise Song for the Day to an
audience of millions, and now the poem can be read and savored for
posterity. Printed on heavy, uncoated stock, with French flaps, and a silver
foil stamp, this collectible chapbook is a cherished reminder of
this monumental presidential event. Also available in Spanish. Canto de
alabanza para el día: Poema para la ceremonia inaugural del mandato de
Barack Obama

Personal Review: Praise Song for the Day: A Poem for Barack
Obamas Presidential Inauguration by Elizabeth Alexander
This brief (one long poem) paperback in a Greek blue and formal cover
from Professor Alexander's old publisher Graywolf merits its humble, small
space upon every shelf in America.
I recall the great Robert Frost (The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected
Poems, Complete and Unabridged) delivering the JFK Inaugural Poem, a
reworking of an earlier work. I wonder who would have presented the
Second JFK Inaugural Poem, and those of his family to come.
I remember the mighty Maya Angelou (The Complete Collected Poems of
Maya Angelou) delivering with great yearning, joy and power an Inaugural
Poem (or was it a dream I had fulfilled?) and prayed she may here again,
our President once being based in Chicago, where Ms. Angelou herself
always found a welcome home. I guess Aretha Amazing Grace: The
Complete Recordings was sufficient for this day, from our boomer
generation.
And once for Maya was enough, and so we have, from our President's
high academic territory, Professor of Poetry Elizabeth Alexander, our
fourth Inaugural Poet.
Who is lacking from this brief list?
Professor Alexander originated in Washington DC and reportedly watched
from shoulder tops the Reverend Doctor MArtin Luther King, Jr., deliver his
well-known, eternal poetry from the steps of the Lincoln Monument. Such
oration must certainly inspire a young poetess, forming those young
bones.
Professor Alexander has now amassed an impressive amount of American
poetry, adding prolifically, generously to our nation's rich literary heritage.
See her first The Venus Hottentot: Poems and her later American Sublime
and Antebellum Dream Book and The Black Interior and the rest.
And now she delivers our fourth Inaugural poem, especially crafted for this
historic occassion of our Presdient's Inauguration.
And such a poem, as wide and flowing and rich as the Potomac.
Surely you can find it by websearch in a number of places, but let us not
steal our poetry any longer. Graywolf, her longtime publisher, here offers a
dignified, suitable edition, gracing humbly any coffeetable, library,
bookshelf, pantry, dentist office, university, elementary school, etc., in
America. No one need find this book one to hide; we each may joyfully
review this marvelous poem in pride, with hope,
In Love:

"Some live by love thy neighbor as thyself,
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 pre-empt grievance."
Read this book, several times. Savor each phrase, in view of the American
journey, the American Dream, the poor struggling to survive as well.
Memorize as we once did this new poem, this:
"Praise song for struggle, praise song for the day.
Praise song for every hand-lettered sign,
the figuring-it-out at kitchen tables."
You will grow strong for the struggle we confront now. This poem will grow
your bones as we grow once more together for the path ahead, as we, as
the prophet predicted, arise like dry bones scattered in the desert, yearning
to rejoin and to dance in glory.
Read this poem.
Though you never read a poem,
read this one.
Again.
To your friends,
To your loved ones,
To yourself.
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