Obama's Influence

1 was at the book store and a few kids were sitting on the floor looking at some books about the President Elect. I became curious because the reason I had visited the book store was to see how many books were displayed about Obama, the presidency in general and President Lincoln and JFK since Obama is often connected to these former presidents. The children ranged in age from about 6 years old to about 11. One book that called my attention was a book by artist Kadir Nelson using the words of Barack Obama during the campaign and political gatherings. The 10 or 11 year old was reading it aloud and showing the younger kids the beautiful drawings by Nelson. She paused at one point and traced Obama's face with her fingers. She whispered to the others,"Isn't he handsome?" You could see the admiration in her eyes. One of the older boys, maybe eight years old kept repeating, "Yes we can." The youngest boy exclaimed with excitement as he pointed to some of the magazines on the rack. "Look, he is all over the place."

I counted at least twenty different magazines and special issues of one thing or the other with Obama's smiling face or a picture of him with his wife and or family unit. His auto-biographies and other numerous books written about him were displayed on one table. I have noticed that mugs, tee shirts, hats, totes and other objects illustrate Obama's countenance. Some times his sports a brilliant smile and many times he seems to be reflective, pensive and almost spiritual.

We went to a local restaurant and all you heard people talk about besides the frigid weather was talk about the inauguration and Barack Obama. Some referred to him as Barack others as Obama. The one constant from my perspective is that everyone seemed excited, optimistic, and just plain happy.

At one point I heard this very frail voice coming from the seat behind me. I did not want to be rude and look back. It seemed that she is a regular at the restaurant. The waitress welcomed her as Miss Mae. She asked the waitress if she had anything special planned for the day. The waitress responded that she was working. "I guess we will all watch on the TV, Miss Mae. Have you planned something special?" Miss Mae said, "Oh yes my dear. We have planned a big dinner. It will be Christmas all over again for us. You know, I am 79 years old and I will not see this moment in history again. I have waited my whole life for something like this. As a matter of fact, now I can die in peace and happy." I had to look back at that point. I could not help it. I smiled and nodded my head.

The women smiled back and asked me, "How are you celebrating?" I did not want to just make up an answer because I really had not thought about it so much. I was ready only to watch it on TV and record it on my DVD player/recorder.

I finally responded and told her, "I think that I will write a poem and dedicate it to a friend of mine who died recently." My friend taught high school for many years and never stopped telling her students that they could be anything they wanted to be with hard work. I could imagine her looking down and feeling so proud that we finally have an African American elected to be president of the United States.

I had not thought about my friend in a while. Her sudden death had caused me such sadness. I smiled and sat back in my seat. I started writing my poem right there. My friend sang professionally. She loved a song titled, "If I could" and that's how I started my poem. I will share it at some other time.

It is amazing how one man is helping people to dig deep into their emotional banks to share. We are more hopeful, and ready to start effecting the change. The change has started. To my friend who always sang, "If I could". I am singing back to you: Dear friend, you helped to make it happen. Yes, you did. If you could you would be here shaking his hand. Yes, he did it. Now together we all could help to make a big change.