He's Still My Guy

A poem I wrote on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as a goodbye, a thank you and a tribute to Barak Obama and his family.

I first met Barak and Michelle 

On a very average day

When I tuned in to Oprah

Just to hear what she had to say.

I was suddenly caught by surprise

As she said to an unknown man,

"I think you'd be a good president

Could that ever be part of your plan?"

He laughed that big old laugh

that would become a familiar sound.

Because unlike most important men,

He laughs more than he frowns.

Oprah and he jabbed and feinted,

He laughed, stuttered and sighed.

And I thought to my self, thoroughly charmed,

This could just be my guy.

Often, when someone comes into your life, suddenly 

you are never quite the same.

And it leads you to wonder how, until recently,

You had never heard their name.

I found as I listened to what he had to say

On most things we saw eye to eye

And I thought to myself with a smile,

I think this could be my guy.

From there it is well known history.

A campaign claiming Yes We Can.

Many opposed to his color and race

More so than opposed to the man.

He endured 8 years of uncommon disrespect.

But still he led us with pride.

His race was never brought up,

But to me it was always implied.

But Mr. Obama has always stood strong.

Remained positive, the picture of grace.

Keeping the good of our country first.

Notwithstanding the resistance he faced.

And I, for one, felt respect I had never felt

For a president of my time.

And I believe for all 8 of those years

This man led with a new paradigm.

He is truely a man of the people.

He is truely real and sincere.

His belief that we are in this together

Went a long way to still my fear.

 I respected His family's Motto,

"When they go low, we go high."

For that reason alone 

He has always been my guy.

Now the Obama's are leaving the world stage,

The curtain closing on their part of the show.

They gave to our country the best of themselves.

So, to move on is just apropos.

They will begin a new chapter of life;

Launch their children and watch them fly.

And I will say goodbye and wish them God's speed,

But Barak will still be my guy.

© Linda Troxell January 19, 2017