BEING THERE

Standing out all night freezing and cold
clinging to hope, but holding no flags,
shoulder to shoulder with young kids
and grizzled old veterans,
I somehow wished I was there.
With the millions packing the mall
and the ghosts of Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther in the air.

After all these years I remain cynical
of politicians who promise change,
having been told and sold this before,
I somehow wished I was there.

Hearing Aretha sing,
listening as they played "simple gifts",
hearing the silence as Obama spoke,
with the ghosts of Jackie and Dr. King,
I somehow wished I was there.