Inauguration Poem by B. V. Dahlen

Today I saw my country shine.
As generations peered through time
a new day was dawning.

A patchwork quilt of faces
shivered and glowed,
steam enclosed and smiling.

They felt our history shift.
On west facing steps,
he stood and vowed
to take upon his shoulders
the burden of our hopes,
our expectations,
our needs and demands,
pledging his service
his direction, to a country
longing for both.

We hold our breath,
remembering the discord,
the division of racial hatred,
and savor the fruition
of Martins optimistic dream,
and pray for him to overcome.