Question

PROMPT: After reading the poem, "One Today" by Richard Blanco, explain how the poem is a celebration of the "American Experience" and discuss whether you believe this work is still relevant in 2020.

Answer 1

Leading up to his performance at Barack obama's second presidential inauguration, Richard balance' s biography he is the first openly and first latino inaugural poet was the focus of the media .last monday however Balanco finally had a chance to let his poetry take center stage.Balanco's inaugural poem ' one today' , was and is a celebration of the shared american experience, an experience made possible not despite but becuase of our diverse individual histories and cultural backgrounds.

Blanco like all inaugural poets was presented with a true challenge : writing an inaugural poem that not only meets the requirements of the occasion but also stands on its own merits . any inaugural poem must adopt a form, tone and level of diction appropriate for consumption by millions of americans, as well as a uniformily positive view of the nation that Carefully avoids explicit and implicit criticism of our government.given these restrictions ( not to mention the severe time restrictions on writing the poem), balance succeeds admirably at the task.

Over the course of its nine stanzas ( 69 lines), "one today" offers a sweeping view of america during a single day , from sunrise to sunset.the first stanza links geographically divers areas of the country through the image of the rising sun.

The poem's one motif ( one sun ,one light, one ground,one wind,one sky) finds ultimate expression and resolution,through the image of one country whose people are united by hope as we move into the future.to me it offers a fitting conclusion and message for an inaugural poem.

Why is poetry still relevant today;

Poetry is so important because it helps us understand and appreciate the world around us.poetry's strength lies in its ability to shed a sideways light on the world, so the truth sneaks up on you.