I understand that Mr. Obama is going to send all the Gitmo detainees to Elizabeth Alexander’s house and she will read them her poetry as the “new torture” technique of the Obamanation until they give up secrets.

Lord-ie; commenting on a poem is more difficult than entering the inauguration ball!
I truly enjoyed this poem that praises the song of each United States individual citizen whatever and whatever their moment may hold, at any time in this relatively short history of our nation. Praise the song of founding fathers success in uniting this country! Praise the song of our children learning and growing.
Whatever your, personal freely selected joy may be, I am certain Elizabeth Alexandra touched upon it in her poem. The forefathers created that path for your freedom to select joy and she praised them too. Excellent piece of art for the ceremony!

Obama’s speech was really good; i appreciate his candor and general classiness

There is a plain-ness to this poem that at first hearing makes it sound as if written for elementary school children. Yet as one reads it and ponders it, it grows in meaning. In my own humble estimation, it does not rise to Maya Angelou’s On the Pulse of Morning (the inaugural poem delivered on January 20, 1993), yet still worthy of our serious consideration. It weaves a tapestry of every day American life and in these unadorned descriptions lies its strength.

I really enjoyed the poem–more so the second time I heard it. There is more to it than one first realizes, and it leaves you with a sense of hope without naivette. Kudos to Ms. Alexander. Being called upon to write a poem in a month for a specific occasion is a daunting task. Creativity cannot be forced and I think she did a splendid job.

This is a tribute to President Obama written by my eight year old daughter Zoanne a third grader.

Obama you’re great
You got rid of hate
Our 44th president
At the White House you’re a resident

You made history,
Your knowledge is a mystery.
You are an amazing man
With words were ‘yes we can’

Your work was done’
Then you went to have fun.
Sasha and Malia rocked with the Jonas brothers
Then went to rest with their grandmother

I have one more thing to say,
Obama you made my day.
‘From I have a dream’ to ‘yes we can’

hoping after several readings of ms. alexader’s poem, the interpretation will become more evident.
zoanne, i enjoy your poem. coming from an 8year old you clearly defined the layman’s view of president obama.