On the Pulse of Morning

Because Angelou wrote “On the Pulse of Morning” for a presidential inauguration, it was essential that the poem focused on unifying all Americans. Typically, this is the focus of the inauguration speech presidents give during this event, and Angelou’s poem served to complement President Clinton's message to America.

Angelou centers the poem around natural imagery, thereby calling all people to something that they share: their origins and connection with the earth. Regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or any other identifier, all people exist on Earth and will return to the earth when they die. By centering the poem on something that naturally connects all people, Angelou creates a poem with a unifying core.

The poet chooses natural images that are universal. Rocks often symbolize sturdiness, rivers often symbolize movement and change, and trees often symbolize lineage and steadfast roots. These simple yet powerful images strongly link the poem to oral and written traditions that transcend culture.

Angelou is also more explicit in her attempts at unification when she specifically mentions different identities that must come together in America. Midway through the poem, she lists 20 different identities that co-exist in America, from racial identities to different faiths and sexual orientations. She tries to unite these different identities around the idea of seeking courage and peace.