América (Richard Blanco)

Did you know that the poet for today's poem was the one to read a poem at Obama's inauguration? I knew the name from the news surrounding that event, but don't know much more about him. However, this poem is appropriate for today, the 4th of July, since it, in plain language, gets at the heart of the immigrant experience in the U.S.

The melding of cultures is not so fluid as 'melting pot' indicates. I like that in this poem, even though everyone is willing to try the turkey - since it is traditional and since N asked for it - that no one truly cares for it and that the family does their own traditions that night.

It's all a fine way to celebrate, neh?

Favorite line: "like the dittos of Pilgrims I colored in class"

like the dittos of Pilgrims I colored in class.