I must admit that Tuesday night, I was elated. And oh, so, proud. Record turnouts. Scads of women elected across the country (remind me to tell you about New Hampshire). Barack Obama and Joe Biden returned to Washington to complete the job they began in the dark days of four years ago. I was filled, once again, with hope. Duh, I probably should have written a poem! Instead, I found this one that I wrote on the eve of the Inauguration in January 2009. I think it'll do:
The Better Angels of Our NatureThe people have spoken, the special interest money doesn't seem to have made as much a difference as individuals talking to each other--reaching out with well-reasoned arguments for voting. We voted. We made a difference.
They're coming in--
wings outspread
flapping, flapping
fluttering
fluttering
slowing themselves,
gently
touching down,
making us aware
as they land
that they are only
here in recognition
of a new us.
After eight
long years,
our chest
and shoulder muscles
have been strengthened.
Our hearts beat
at unnatural rates.
We can feel
the lift as we allow
the angels to take us
under their wings
to teach us
how to fly.
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
Yesterday, Laura Salas held her 15 Words or Less challenge and I couldn't resist turning it into a comment on my how I see America this week (although greatly wrapped in metaphor). Click here to see the inspiration photo that Laura gave us.
November 7, 2012When I looked for a photo of a real tie-dye Fender Stratocaster, one of the sites I visited had a customer reviews section. The guitar was labeled as "sex on strings." I thought that might make a great final line, but, 1. Laura has some younger poets posting on her site now, and 2. I didn't want to leave anyone with the impression that I'm hot on the POTUS (if they made the connection between the poem and the election), so I left the final line as is.
In the front row
for the opening
chord of a tie-dye
Stratocaster.
Let it begin!
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
About New Hampshire: on Tuesday, we elected a woman for governor, and two women as U.S. representatives (we're small, we only have two). They join the two incumbent women senators. No other state can match us! I'm happy to draw your attention also, to the other places around the country where women are beginning to win the "war."
Hurry over to Think Kid, Think! for the Poetry Friday Round-Up.
You GO, New Hampshire!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Diane. The title of your poem is beautiful and apropos. It is okay to have a crush on the POTUS, just saying. He's crush-worthy.
ReplyDeleteOh, he's crush-worthy for sure, and, as they say up this way, he's "wicked smaht."
ReplyDeleteI definitely felt the brush of those angel wings this week! Love this country so much and so proud!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that the angels made their presence felt again, four years later. And lucky you that POTUS came to New Hampshire, and you got to be there!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSecond try:
ReplyDeleteFeeling elated and euphoric too. Love your poem -- you capture the feeling of hope so beautifully. We can fly!
Hooray for NH! That's awesome! So glad VA and Hawaii carried Obama too :).
Nice! Your enthusiasm is contagious!
ReplyDeleteThose angel wings--love the combo of softness and strength you bring to this poem.
ReplyDeleteI agree--the line "sex on strings" would have been awesome. You're right, I have a couple of young participants and do invite teachers/students to join in. You showed great restraint:>) I only promise them it's "generally very kid friendly," but tell them to of course read the poems BEFORE they share them. Love the review story, though. Funny!
Sharing the joy, though obviously in the minority here in Georgia. Thanks, Diane!
ReplyDeleteHappy Days! Crush-worthy days! Now . . . on to the continuing hard work!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Diane! So proud of NH and loving our all-women leadership status.
ReplyDelete