Inauguration Day

For the first time ever,
as far as I can tell,
they made a video of Inauguration Day -
I checked a few places
but could find no other
presidential swearing-in day
recorded for the general public.

I suppose other presidents
must have made their own
recordings or requested a recordings
for themselves – from what my friend says
George W. Bush would likely
want to forget his inauguration
unless the events were seriously
edited.  I'd almost want to see that,
just to see the eggs and tomatoes
being flung at George.
Almost.

But this year, things were different.
I remember my friend had feared
that George would refuse to give up
his position...
Yep, he was holding his breath,
afraid...
he said,
“I'll feel better when it is
'official.'”

On that day,
I didn't share my friend's fear.
The day had come
and chills of excitement flowed
through me
and I had to wipe away
a few tears
here and there.

I didn't really need
to rent the video, on DVD.
I remember the day,
still, vividly,
the snow that was falling,
who was with me,
the feelings I felt...
and I wanted to share
that experience.

By Bruce Whealton
April 27th, 2009