Be Our President (An Inauguration Day Poem from an Older, Lesser Poet)
What would I say to you, Joe? (Can I call you Joe?)
Kamala calls you Joe (Can I call her Kamala?). Is this
what we are to expect in the first of your first one
hundred days—the first first-name basis administration?
Joe, I voted for you, but this feels too chummy, which
sounds strange seeing as how we’ve endured four sour
years, like friendly would be an answer to our prayers.
But gosh Joe, while I’m thrilled to see that you are a pal
to poets and dogs and those who tend the White House
grounds, I want to make this one plea: be our President.
Yes, be our friend, but be that something more America
the beautiful is aching for—a symbol conspicuously good.
I realize this is quite the tall order, but you aspired to the
highest office, you made the choice to run and won. So run.
Run our country at a wise man’s pace. We’ve raced reckless
gassed on boast and swagger and contempt from both sides.
Slow us down to the self-government of being not only keeper
of our brother but our sister and our neighbor and mother Earth.
Rest your hand on the old Book and swear—be our President.
Thank you, John! Your prayer is the prayer of all Americans… even the ones that cannot yet bring themselves to speak it.
Be well, America! You, too, my friend!
“Slow us down to the self-government of being not only keeper
of our brother but our sister and our neighbor and mother Earth.” That’s a tall order. I wonder if it is possible for one person to turn the rudder? God help the president.
I did not know I needed these words until I read them. Thank you.
Yeah, man.
Oh, yes please! Help us all to remember our brother and sister’s names again.
So many Canadians embrace Joe. Even though proud to be Canadian, we love our cousins south of the border. We have grieved for their pain and suffering these last four years. And now we celebrate and will watch for the flourishing of our family.
Be what is due [America] the beautiful.
Amen and amen!
“Rest your hand on the old Book and swear—be our President.” This entire poem is music to my ears. But that last sentence puts it all into its intended context. Thank you, John!
Rich.
Thank you.
This is such a beautiful poem and articulates the desires of many Americans today! Thank you for sharing.
So good, John. Grateful for your words.
Enjoyed the poem John, and its sentiments – he faces a great many challenges in the days ahead!
I love this sentiment!
AMEN. AMEN. and AMEN!
Agree wholeheartedly!
This poem has not aged well, has it? I was so disappointed to read about your vote. As a Christian I just don’t understand how you would side with radical, pro-choice liberals.