when friends told me they had planned on attending the inauguration, i thought them crazy, a logistical nightmare was the first and last thought i had on the matter. i myself watched it the modern way, on cnn, via facebook, but with the audio courtesy of npr. it was the first time i had ever remembered really tuning into the ceremony.
i have never been particularly politically inclined – i was raised during my formative twenties by my older and wiser boyfriend to be suspicious of all politicians, that it was impossible to glean any truth from the media gatekeepers and their infinite spin on how and who runs this mega-country. But for the first time, it seemed like all the little hands across the country reached across borders and challenges to unite for something unknown, yet hopefully better than what we had been accustomed to and accepted most of our lives.
a bad prayer was said, and then a good one, as 2 million patriotic persons huddled and shivered in DC, and millions more around the world watched it on TV, cell phones, ipods, & mega screens in anticipation of formally declaring obama our 44th president. Then- the music started, a quartet, seated high in the back podium, so all the famous people and politicians had to crane their necks backwards, while yo yo ma and company played “air and simple gifts”. During the piece, there was nothing but the sounds of instruments vibrating and an enormous crowd being silent. i began to feel a nation inhale and exhale together, quietly and thankfully and, listening to music. Even the journalists on npr were quiet- until about halfway through the song, where the piano was introduced and a sense of playfulness entered the movement. it was at this juncture that the female journalist whispered into the airwaves, (and it really was a whisper): “the ceremony is running a few moments behind schedule. it is now 12:01. former president george bush is no longer president of the united states. i repeat george bush is no longer president.” and then she slipped back in the radio wings while the music continued and then finished. it was during this rarest and unprecedented of moments, we were a nation in suspension, a ship turning and forcing the water still. we had taken off but not yet landed, levitating, even with our collective pockets heavy laden full of hope and change. it was during this moment that i changed too- from a cynic hating crowds (unless they are there to listen to me ) to someone who earnestly wished that i had been there- in our nations captial, being a good and proud american, cozy amongst all of these other creatures who were so thankful and joyful, that to be there and witness it was a true gift.
i wish you the best of luck president obama. it is foolish to think that one man alone can change this messy mess we have all contributed to, but you have already shown us that you make an awesome beacon in the night, that your arms are ever long to enfold so many varied ideals and humans together. it feels a little magical. and i am all over that.
