Inauguration
Michael Gollin
January 20, 2013

For the fifty seventh time, in this moment,
we inaugurate our President.
Peaceful transfer of power, by rule of law,
no general, king, pope, nor mullah.
They say our system is the worst
except for all the others.
All it takes is an old constitution
and a quadrennial election
for two hundred twenty-eight years, without interruption,
despite war, oppression, disputes,
sweat, tears, passion, and lawsuits.

No other nation has been so bold.
A miracle? Planning? Luck?
A wonder for the world to behold.

***