Poem from Jean Zlotkin

E Pluribus Unum
Commemorating Inauguration Day 2009

It is no surprise to me, Mr. Obama,
that you are standing
where you are today,
though some might think
otherwise.

It is no surprise to me that
someone of your mixed ethnicity
has been chosen from among us all
to serve not only America
but also, in effect, the world, and
Earth, herself.

It is no surprise to me
that someone of your sensibilities
recognized that America can yet be
what those first leaders long ago
envisioned but is yet far from reality.

It is no surprise to me that your
mother, my contemporary,
afforded you the opportunity
to blend race and cultural differences
into a family.

All these are the reasons so many
young people, old people, white people
black people, rich people, poor people
scared yet excited people,
sent their dollars and their hopes,
their prayers and their votes
your way.

Tuesday we will hold our breath
as you take that oath,
feel our eyes water, our chests
tighten, our hearts burst,
with hope -- and fear,
for so much is at stake.

Not just America, and our way of life,
but the great ideals that gave us birth,
almost lost, it seemed, just yesterday;
not only humans but all life forms
depend, now, on what we do,
and how we do it.

So, it will not surprise me
that you may ask us,
when you speak on Tuesday,
to remember that it takes
a village to change a culture,
and courage to follow a leader.

It will not surprise me if you say
the road is long, the way is hard
and the dangers lie ahead,
not behind. And tell us also that
the way is wide enough for us all.

E pluribus unum maybe read
Out of many, one; or some say
One, from many; either way
we must travel together.

And it does not surprise us
that you will lead the way.

JMZ 1/17/09