Robert Frost’s “The Gift Outright,” recited at John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration, beautifully captures an American narrative of commitment to the land. Its iambic pentameter flows like a conversation, interrupted by strategically placed feminine endings that evoke the vastness of the American frontier. The poem’s exploration of possession and surrender suggests a marriage between the people and the land, a powerful image that transcends the often abstract language of American patriotism.
While some criticize the poem’s Eurocentric perspective, overlooking the indigenous peoples of the West, Frost offers an American story, not the definitive one. This narrative, like any marriage, allows for new members, regardless of background, to join and contribute. The poem’s power lies in its emotional resonance and evocative imagery, not its historical comprehensiveness.
The presence of poetry at presidential inaugurations has been largely a Democratic tradition. From Frost and Maya Angelou to Amanda Gorman, these poets have contributed to the narrative of American identity and aspiration. This begs the question: why have Republican presidents not embraced this tradition? The absence of Conservative Poets at inaugurations fuels a perception that the right is somehow divorced from the artistic and emotional power of poetry.
This perception, articulated by some as a correlation between intellectual depth and liberal leanings, is demonstrably false. Conservative thought has a rich history, and to suggest it lacks the capacity for poetic expression is both inaccurate and limiting. Figures like Rudyard Kipling, Roy Campbell, and T.S. Eliot stand as testament to the conservative voice in poetry. Contemporary conservative poets like Michael Shindler further demonstrate the vibrancy and relevance of this tradition.
The lack of a conservative poetic presence at Republican events is not due to a lack of talent but perhaps a lack of invitation. Conservative publications like First Things, The New Criterion, and Modern Age regularly feature poetry, showcasing a vibrant community of conservative poets. Figures like Dana Gioia, a former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts under George W. Bush, exemplify the potential for a stronger connection between conservative politics and the art of poetry.
Inviting a poet to read at a Republican inauguration would not be a political panacea, but it could be a symbolic gesture, a way to broaden the perception of conservative thought and engage with the emotional power of language. It could be a reminder that political visions, regardless of their ideological underpinnings, can find expression in the beauty and complexity of poetry. It could be a step towards a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of both poetry and politics.