Tuesday, January 13, 2009

In terms of both the inauguration and service in general, I am thinking about power, its use and misuse.

I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Transfer of Power - Inauguration, 2009

My power to do good and my power
to do harm are equal. The difference is choice.
Same for George Bush. Same for Barack Obama.

George Bush, as you remove Presidential mantle,
you know, we know, the choices you made
History will tally result, good and harm together.

Barack Obama, as you receive Presidential mantle,.
remember it's weight, it's purpose, earth's need.
Your people pray you use its power for good.

Victoria Hendricks, January 12, 2009

2 comments:

Mary said...

I will be reading and thinking about your posts about the inaugaration, Victoria. I really don't have much to say beyond hoping that the next four years are good ones for all.

Peggy said...

I so like the philosophy and hope in this poem about Obama and how he will use his power. It seems there should be two words for power to do good and power not used for good. They are two such different things. I wish everyone realized that.