First published 2009
Elizabeth Alexander stepped before millions of viewers on January 20, 2009, to deliver her specially composed poem at Barack Obama's presidential inauguration. As only the fourth poet ever chosen for this honor, Alexander faced the weight of history and expectation. Her poem "Praise Song for the Day" captured the significance of that transformative moment in American politics. The words she spoke became part of the permanent record of one of the nation's most watched inaugurations. This collectible edition preserves Alexander's contribution to that historic day, printed on premium paper with silver foil stamping and French flaps. The poem stands as both artistic achievement and documentary artifact of Obama's rise to the presidency.
Genres: american, poetry, biography-memoir, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: documentary, historical-event
Setting: United States
Period: 2009
28 pages · Paperback · Graywolf Press