Aftermath Of A Ballot Cast Poem by Dorothy (Alves) Holmes

Holding back...
Not wanting to count the chickens
before they hatch
Braving the winter winds
First the oath and we the people
Listen pensively, hopefully as he
pledges before God and man to
protect...care
Take a stand...For good and new
happenings
To service a nation-a people
Who portrayed their trust through
ballot
Now walking as if to battle
Armored with his promise, rare
determination and smile
This seemingly gentle man walking,
His first lady keeping stride at his
side
And the rest of us following their
lead
Biding our time but feeling already
The warm flowing tide of the new
spirit
Getting the feeling that he and we
are old friends.


This was written at the time of President Jimmy Carter's inauguration.