On the Pulse of Morning Summary & Analysis
by Maya Angelou

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American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou wrote and performed "On the Pulse of Morning" for the presidential inauguration of Bill Clinton in January of 1993. The poem echoes key points in Clinton's inaugural speech, especially that of America's need to own up to its violent history of genocide, slavery, colonialism, and environmental destruction in order to secure a more peaceful and equitable future. The poem aims to inspire in its audience a sense of unity and responsibility towards other people and the planet.

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