For Michelle

Sister Obama I greet you like swallows in the morning I salute you Like palm trees gracefully in the wind Our spirits long for you Like deserts where Hannibal trod Sinking eye holes in the sand Holding out a sparse leaf For rain. Sister Obama You are our Phoenix Candling our sun with your wings Our children look up There eyes fix On the white cup Clasp between your fingers Like the eagles clasp the twigs. They must hold on to something So they can fly. What magnificient beauty you bring To our dreams, to his dream Of soft flowers for your feet, Sister, poised against the inward eye. Sister Obama Words are unnecessary where love can see The little pictures From wide windows of history. We salute saying We are watching And we will be here for you For we have been made To do everything And now we will do what we have to do.