Imagery In Richard Blanco's Poem 'One Today'

The imagery in Richard Blanco’s poem “One Today” reveals the unity in diversity that individuals in the United States share. Inaugural poet Richard Blanco read his poem at the swearing-in ceremony for President Obama’s second inauguration. He consistently wrote that we are individuals that share the same sun, wind, and land. I believe this poem follows the footsteps of America from sunrise to sunset and emphasizes that even though we are individuals, we are one.
In the beginning, Blanco descriptively writes how the sun rises every morning over our rooftops as it enters our windows. He goes on to describe the movements behind the windows, which I believe are our shadows. Blanco goes through the routine of Americans when they wake up: they yawn, look in the mirror, and hear the sound of automobiles outside. Blanco moves from general to personal. He makes the poem personal and involves his mother who worked as a cashier for 20 years, so that he can be able to get an education and “write this poem” (7).

Blanco specifies that we are one, yet we are each individually as important as the light we see every day.

He gives specific examples as to where we see the light. He begins to talk about education and describes how some have a dream, yet all they do is dream. Blanco mentions the twenty children who were killed in Newport, Connecticut and honors them. I believe he wanted to not only connect with some of his audience, but also reach out and touch the hearts of many. He writes, “….the impossible vocabulary of sorrow that won't explain
the empty desks of twenty children marked absent
today, and forever” (9-10). He describes how the families of those who died in that event are feeling. Blanco explains that the only hope, or life, they find is on the “stained glass windows”, which signifies church

(10).
Again, Blanco specifies what common ground we share as Americans. It allows us to produce what we need with our hardworking hands. As an example, he mentions how his father’s hands were worn from cutting sugarcanes so his brother and he could have books and shoes. Blanco mentions the different types of lands that we share from deserts to cities, yet we all share “one wind - our breath” (16). He also comments on the different types of sounds that we hear throughout our day and the greetings we use in different languages.
Blanco explains how we are all under one sky. We all look to the skies after work whether it is to guess the weather or to give thanks for someone that loves you back. At the end of the day, we head back home in either the rain or heavy snow, yet we remain under one sky, moon, and country. The last line, I believe, evokes his audience to become more united.
I believe Blanco wanted to take in as much of America as he could. I think this poem was a success. He clearly explains the union we have as Americans. I believe he provoked many Americans to think about the details written in this poem. He used clear and brief language. Even with that simple language, he got his point across and touched many.