On The Pulse Of Morning Poem Summary

“On the Pulse of Morning” by Maya Angelou was a poem read at the inauguration of former President Bill Clinton in 1993. Angelou’s poem was only the second to be read at a President’s inauguration, and she was the first woman to deliver any form of speech at a presidential inauguration. The poem was delivered at a pivotal time not only in the nation’s government, but also in its society. Just two years prior, the beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police officers took place, and the riots in his name soon followed. Angelou’s poem was one that called for peace in society, as well as the need to recognize diversity. “On the Pulse of Morning” begins with three objects; a rock, a river, and a tree – all of which are personified and speak to the audience about equality, courage, and peace. All three objects have “witnessed” the changes to the world over the span of centuries, as they are unmoving forces in nature. All three forces have seen the arrival and departure of thousands of generations.
The rock states that people may stand upon its back, but that they may not find

In stanza seven, the river speaks of factories that have dumped their wastes by its side, as well as the exploitation of Native American land and labor; both points are used to show how greed can destroy humanity. At numerous points throughout the poem, Angelou mentions the different races who came to America as immigrants and slaves. The mention of these different races can have a positive and negative connotation. Speaking positively, Angelou may be referring the fact that America has been called “the melting pot” of cultures, and how all people were welcomed openly to America. Negatively, she may be referring to the fact that this medley of cultures has led to an erasure of their individual identities, which relates to her theme of celebrating the diversity of all