The Tumult and the Shouting Dies: Two Recently Found Poems
Quinn Warnick
DEFEAT MIGHT SERVE AS WELL AS VICTORY:
AL GORE CONCEDES
I spoke with George. I promised him
that I wouldn't call him back. I promised.
I offered to meet with him. I spoke
with George: I'm with you, Mr. President.
Neither he nor I anticipated…
Certainly neither of us wanted…
This is America. It's time for me to go.
It has ended, resolved
as it must be resolved. Let there be
no doubt, while I strongly disagree
with the court's decision, I accept it.
Shake the soul. Let the glory out.
For the sake of our unity, I accept it.
Other disputes have dragged on, the victor
and the vanquished accepted the result.
I accept it.
Defeat might serve as well
as victory: many of my supporters are disappointed.
I am too. So let it be with us.
This contest: a sign of American weakness.
President-elect Bush inherits a nation
whose citizens will be ready…
President-elect Bush inherits a nation…
President-elect Bush inherits.
This is America?
This is America: there will be time enough…
I've seen America: this is America.
I like what I see.
I know I'll spend time
in Tennessee — family and old friends.
It's time for me to go.
Defeat might serve as well as victory.
Shake the soul. Let the glory out.
This is America.
I accept it.
It's time for me to go.
It's time.
· · ·
I UNDERSTAND HOW DIFFICULT THIS MOMENT MUST BE:
GEORGE W. BUSH ACCEPTS THE PRESIDENCY
Gore and I gave it our all.
I understand how difficult
this moment must be…
He has a distinguished record of service:
congressman, senator, vice president.
And I am your next president.
I have a lot to be thankful for tonight:
America, the American people, Dick Cheney.
Cooperation is the challenge —
we must put politics behind us.
I am optimistic that we can change the tone
of Washington. I am optimistic
that we can change.
Things happen for a reason.
I am your next president. Our votes
may differ, but I am your next president.
We can change. I am optimistic.
America wants unity.
Americans want progress.
We must seize this moment
and deliver —
Together, we will work…
Together, we will save…
Together, we will strengthen…
Together, we will address…
Together, we will give…
Together, we will have…
I ask for you to pray.
I am your next president.
I was not elected to serve one party,
but to serve one nation.
I was not elected to serve one party.
I was not elected.
But I am your next president.