We Can

It is amazing to be so youthful at a time like this. A time of trouble, but also a time of hope-- we will move forward in a new and better direction. Barack Obama instills this passion and hope within us. I read Barack Obama’s speech first followed by Elizabeth Alexander’s poem. I found by reading the speech first helped me understand what he was trying to say and translate that into the descriptive poetry of Alexander. I found Barack Obama’s rhetoric impressive because he didn’t simply just state things, but used words and ideas that the audience could feel and relate to. Such as when he said, “Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.” The raging storms are all the problems we face today that are forming together, but presidents have entered in these conditions before. I feel that his choice of diction evoked such a strong response within his audience because he painted a picture of our problems, but assured us we can overcome any obstacle.

We, the people, all want change and we want it now. Barack Obama assures things will get better, but that it is no easy process. “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.” My favorite part of his speech is when he talked about how men and women struggled in our past and how they worked never ending hours until their bodies could no longer function. But, as he says, “They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the difference of birth or wealth or faction.”

Having Elizabeth Alexander’s poem read aloud during the inauguration ceremony was an effective way to further show our struggle, but the power we have to change. We, Americans, know that this is not an ideal way of living. In her poem it says, “We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and the others who said I need to see what’s on the other side, I know there’s something better down the road, we need to find a place where we are safe.” This illustrates that there is a place that is better, but it is up to us to get there. The poem also is parallel with Obama’s speech in talking about a bright future. The poem says, “Praise song for walking forward in that light.” I enjoyed both reading the poem and the inauguration speech as I truly feel an involved member of our country. I will close with the strongest line of Barack Obama, something I strongly believe in, “All this we can do. All this we will do.”