Being There

I try to be unmoved and cynical
about the promises of politicians
and realistic about change. We've been sold
a bill of goods before. But still
I wish I'd been there.

I wish I'd stood out all night in the cold
clutching hope and waving tiny flags
elbow to elbow with Tuskegee veterans
and fresh-faced twenty-something kids.
I wish I'd been there

with the ghosts of Malcom X and Reverend King
with the thousands who packed the Mall
from edge to teeming edge.

I cried when Aretha sang.
I cried when they played "Simple Gifts". I cried
when he took the oath of office—you know
I feel like I was there.

Collection available! Knocking from Inside