AMERICA .... YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL

Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, moderate or conservative,  MAGA fan or “Anyone But Him,” what happened in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 20 confirmed that democracy pulses vigorously through the heart of our country. The day revived hope sorely shredded and tested by an insidious insurrection. Against difficult odds, our political system triumphed.

I watched every minute of the inauguration. As I  think back now, the day becomes a colorful work of art, one perhaps painted by Georges Seurat, a French pointillist. I see countless colorful dots — images and vignettes — that together create a beautiful painting.

Shortly after 8 AM, the President in his customary blue Brioni overcoat and hip-length magenta tie, Melania in mourning black, exit the White House; the pilot of Marine One wears a mask, the Trumps do not; at Joint Base Andrews, the exiting President wishes “success to the new administration,” then climbs up the steps. The door of Air Force One closes. 

Instantaneously, the television shows President-elect Biden and Dr. Jill, tailored in aqua, leaving Blair House for mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. One door shuts, another opens.  The king is dead, long live the king!

Mid-morning at the Capitol, snow flakes swirl through the brilliant sunshine; everyone is masked (Dr. Fauci had to be purring) but none of the masks are blatantly political; Bernie Sanders sports cozy “sweater mittens,” Senator Tim Kane of Virginia dons a knitted blue hat with initials TKVA.

“43” enthusiastically waves to the crowd as Laura smiles shyly; Obama fist bumps Arod while Michelle flips her mane of shoulder-length hair; Bill Clinton’s mask slips below his nose with Hilary standing next to him in a voluminous overcoat; six members of the Supreme Court march in, black masks matching their judicial robes. 

Washington’s streets are bare of traffic; the National Guard forms a tan-and-brown wall of camo; suddenly, a multi-car motorcade. The Arrival!

The Bidens and Kamala, in magnificent purple, accompanied by the  Second Gentleman, all masked, walk up white marble steps that 14 days ago were soiled by evil-doers. Today, it’s an iconic vista of American flags and smartly uniformed soldiers saluting the new team.

The inaugural dais swarms with mask-wearing dignitaries, chatting and waving; Vice President Pence and Mother hear muted applause, but feel some respect, as they enter and take their seats; lovely young Biden ladies clad in contrasting pastels whisper and giggle; the U.S. Marine band blasts “oompah” music.

A female firefighter states the Pledge of Allegiance while simultaneously signing; Lady Gaga appears, clad in a Schiaparelli gown; she holds a gold microphone and NAILS the National Anthem, extending the final notes so we hear “that our flag was still t-h-e-r-e,” then looks for a seat that can accommodate her voluminous, bodacious dress; J-Lo all in white, a 138-carat sparkler on her right hand, slips into Spanish (“Una nacion baja Dios”) while belting out “America the Beautiful,” then Garth Brooks invites us to join him in singing the last verse of “Amazing Grace.”  Amazing!

While President Biden delivers his inaugural address (“a day of history and hope,” so “lets start afresh,” “we must end this uncivil war” with “the power of our example”). A baby cries and we see a young father carrying his plaid-jacketed blue-bonneted bundle of joy up the stairs into the Capital. Diaper change? 

The stunning surprise: 22-year-old poet laureate Amanda Gorman wearing a canary-hued coat, her beehive hairdo secured with a red leather band, her bracelet-size hoop earrings dancing as she read “The Hill We Climb.” So articulate, so confident. Then, the meaningful benediction, careful hugs and more elbow bumps, and the dignitaries climb the stairs back into the Capitol. 

What a day! 

Later that afternoon I stopped at my dry cleaner’s and asked the gal, “What did you think of the inauguration?”  She looked at me quizzically. “Inauguration? Nah. I was watching a cooking show on television in between customers.”

America — you are beautiful.