Inaugural - a Sijo

Marcy L. Tanter

January 12, 2021

In the cold Washington air, Joe Biden makes his vow

To overturn damage done and save the nation’s future.

With citizens divided, can salvation be had?

Sijo: Poetic Form

• 3 lines in length, averaging 14-16 syllables per line (for a poem total of 44-46 syllables).

• Line 1 introduces the situation or theme of the poem.

• Line 2 develops the theme with more detail or a "turn" in argument.

• Line 3 presents a "twist" and conclusion.

Marcy L. Tanter is a Professor of English at Tarleton State University, where she has taught since 1998. Her areas of interest are American and British literature of the long 19th century and Korean Studies.