I know, I know: I’m obsessed with this. But so is NPR. True, there can be only one inaugural poet, but have you heard? They’ve been commissioning “some of the nation's most renowned poets to write their own inaugural poems,” and have found that “real inaugural poems have usually been serious and sweeping affairs. But not so for our exercise.” You can see/listen to what they’re talking about—with offerings from Suzan Lori-Parks, Nikki Giovanni, and Calvin Trillin—here.
Anybody wanna make this interesting? Put a little money on whether Obama will really deliver the Giovanni rap?
Anyway, this is the last time I’ll post about inaugural poetry, since Barack is getting sworn in Tuesday. Can’t wait until he’s officially the president—so he can officially begin disappointing my unrealistically high hopes and expectations!
January 18, 2009
Pastor Warren's going to pray/For everyone who isn't gay.
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3 comments:
Suzan Lori-Parks' piece was good, especially in sentiment. I am unfamiliar with Nikki Giovanni's work, but I don't think it can be classified as "rap." People born before 1950 usually have cringeworthy "raps," George Carlin being an example. I would wager that Obama will not deliver it.
I hope you are right, Anon. Obama attempting to deliver the Giovanni piece might be too much disappointment too early.
Any Nikki Giovanni piece is bound to be a disappointment.
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