A Poem For Barack Obama Poem by Natasa To

In the hush before the oath was sworn,

A nation held its breath in air—

From Chicago's streets to distant shores,

Hope rose in answer to a prayer.



Not crowned by gold nor draped in pride,

But carried by a steady voice,

He spoke of bridges yet to build,

Of harder roads—and braver choice.



Through storms of doubt and markets fallen,

Through wars that weighed on heart and hand,

He called upon the better angels

Still breathing in this fractured land.



With ink he signed for healing hands,

That more might rest without despair;

He turned the page toward cleaner skies,

And placed new faith in global care.



He stood where history's shadow lingered,

Yet did not bow to fear or flame—

For change, he said, begins with us,

Not whispered blame, but shared aim.



Calm in crisis, firm in purpose,

Measured words like lantern light,

Teaching that democracy

Is not a gift—but daily fight.



O leader shaped by dream and duty,

By grace beneath relentless fire,

You showed a generation

That hope is more than heart's desire.



And whether praised in shining terms

Or questioned by the times we live,

Your legacy is written clear—

In the courage you asked us all to give.