The inaugural poem by Maya Angelou that was read at Bill Clinton’s inaugural ceremony in 1993 is ‘On the Pulse of Morning’. It was commissioned by Clinton, himself a poet, to be written for the event – a powerful choice for her to read, as Angelou was the first poet to perform at a presidential inauguration since Robert Frost. Angelou was also the 2nd inaugural poet in the country’s history. The poem reflects on the country during the transition of presidents and speaks of struggle, hope and unity, mirroring the complex moment in which it was commissioned.
The poem is a lyrical journey of acknowledgment, inspiration and hope. It speaks to the America that was and is, and the American spirit that unites us, recognizing that our nation is both a melting pot of diversity and singular in its power. Structurally, the poem works in three main movements with Angelou speaking in the voices of those who have gone before, and finally as an individual, addressing a nation.
Angelou’s poem is a call to action — to strive for a new movement and to celebrate the strength of the people. This is particularly poignant in her line: “Here on the pulse of this new day/You may have the grace to look up and out/And into your sister’s eyes, and into/Your brother’s face, your country/And say simply/Very simply/With hope — Good morning.” It is this powerful message of hope and compassion that resonates and continues to inspire, so many decades later.
Angelou’s poem was also incredibly unique in that it made history by being the first inaugural poem by a black poet as well as the first delivered by a female poet. This created a lasting moment in which African Americans could take pride and ownership of their celebrity, knowing that a member of their own ranks was chosen to convey a message of unity and peace.
The poem was considered an incredible success, and Angelou was praised unanimously for her performance. Even in the face of politics, her eloquent words gave inspiriation and strength to the moment. Bill Clinton described that as she began to read, “we all held our breath,” and that the “power of her message said peace truly is better than a piece of the rock – a piece of the mountain, that more unites us than divides us.”
What is the Poem About?
‘On the Pulse of Morning’ is a powerful poem about finding hope and unity in times of strife. The poem is a lyrical journey of acknowledgement, inspiration and hope. She speaks of the struggle, naming the African American people and their experiences, while also emphasizing the strength of the individual spirit which can stand alone, or unite a nation. The poem also reaches into the future, recognizing that the America which is being born is shaped by the America that was.
The poem speaks to the many voices that shape the country, weaving together their unique experiences, stories and struggles while emphasizing their power of solidarity. Angelou’s poem is also a call to action to work together and create a new movement, reclaiming the nation’s spirit of unity in the face of difficulty.
Ultimately, Angelou’s poem speaks to a unified America, “a Rock, a River, a Tree” which is a symbol for interdependence and common ground. It is these elements of inclusion which demonstrate what is possible in the diverse nation that is America.
The Poem’s Impact and Significance
Maya Angelou’s poem ‘On the Pulse of Morning’ had a tremendous impact both at the time and in the decades that have followed. The poem is seen as a powerful call for unity in difficult times. It was the most popular inaugural poem ever, with millions of copies being sold and republished, and being included in many school curriculums.
Additionally, the poem earned Angelou considerable success and support, making her a well-known figure in the world of literature. The poem was well received by many including Bill Clinton, who described it as “a remarkable poem that spoke to all of us and inspired our Nation.”
Very few other works have had a lasting and widespread impact like On the Pulse of Morning. The poem is remembered for delivering hope, unity and strength in a time of transition, planting the seed of inspiration in millions of listeners.
Maya Angelou’s Place In American History
It is no mistake that Maya Angelou was asked to write and read the inaugural poem for Bill Clinton’s inauguration. Her work throughout her career speaks to the power of her storytelling and her poetical inclusivity. Angelou was one of the most successful African-American authors, activists and creatives of her time, lauded for her beautiful and moving works of literature.
At the time of the poem’s reading, Angelou already had had great success, but it was this poem that solidified her place in American History, establishing her as one of the most important African-American authors of all time. Through the work of this single poem, she secured a lasting place in literature and her impact is still felt today.
The Context of the Poem
On the Pulse of Morning was written and read at a time of national strife. America was coming out of a recession, simmering with social upheaval, and grappling with a vast array of complex political issues. It was the perfect time to call for unity, with the spirit of Angelou’s poem speaking to the America that was, and how we could work together to create a better future.
The poem was particularly poignant given the many firsts she was achieving with it. She was the first African American, and the first female poet, to read an inaugural poem — a remarkable feat which would set the course for future poets and presidents alike.
Additionally, the poem came at a particularly important time in Bill Clinton’s presidential race, and was viewed by many as the synthesis of past and present, the message of unity was a powerful one, and it helped to define the moment and encourage hope in the future.
Contemporary Reception and Interpretations
Since the initial recitation of On the Pulse of Morning in 1993, the poem has gone on to become the most popular inaugural poem in American history, garnering praise and recognition from citizens and scholars alike. Many cite it as a powerful source of inspiration, and its message of unity is still relevant today.
The poem is often seen as a call for hope and renewed spirit in a nation plagued by hardship. By infusing it with her own story as an African American woman and activist, Maya Angelou created an inspiring message of inclusivity and a reminder that all individuals have something important to offer.
Furthermore, the poem’s success has since prompted a considerable amount of scholarship. Its subject matter, structure and the language used have been studied and analyzed in the academic world. As such, it is known for its lasting impact in the fields of literature, politics and civil rights.
