bout de papier, Vol. 24, No. 2 (2009) — Spring 2009 // Printemps 2009, p. 7
Like countless others, watched Obama’s
Inauguration. did so, even
As my mind remembered Tanzania,
A presidential function there too, and
A remark made to me by the Cabinet
Secretary about Canada’s just held
Elections. “We followed Canadian
Developments very closely,” he said.
“And what results! The Government reduced
To two seats.” He shook his head, incredulous.
“Just two seats,” pause, “and nothing happened.”
Of course knew what he meant. No coup, no
Popular unrest, riots in the streets,
Just orderly, peaceful, transfer of power,
So ordinary, so Canadian,
So essential to a democracy.
In Washington, too marveled at the
Multitudes thronging the Mall; delighted
In Aretha’s performance; chuckled at
The balance of artistry and race
In the fine piano quartet;
Savored the irony of an oath bungled
By a Chief Justice originally
Opposed by now President Obama.
Like Malia, thought Obama’s speech
“was pretty good,” a speech for the times.
Everything, or nearly, went off as planned.
And so did George Bush. Never mind that he
Was hated by some, disliked by many,
He worked towards a smooth transition.
After the pomp, ceremonies, music,
The new President and his consort walked
Citizens George and Laura to their plane.
A brief farewell and then the Bushes left
The last duty to the nation fulfilled,
An orderly, peaceful transfer of power.
View the original scanned pages →
Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 24, No. 2 (2009) — Spring 2009 // Printemps 2009, p. 7. Read the rest of this issue →
