On an early November day br when the last oak leaves br clung to barren branches, br Americans from Maine to L.A. br set aside their labors br to ring the freedom bell - br one ballot at a time br and decreed the time had come. br br And so on a frigid January day br an eloquent man with African DNA, br placed a hand on Lincoln's bible br and vowed allegiance to us all. br br Now Barack Obama's family br resides in America's home - br wrought a few scant yesterdays past br by the arms and backs br of human chattel who br though severed from their sacred liberty br held fast to their singing souls. br br So with hope - filled mending hearts, br we entrust our nation's wheel br to the steady hand br of a calm and pensive man br who, in his vision, would dare br to unite the heavens with the soil - br one aspiration at a time.