On the Pulse of Morning Summary
Maya Angelou

Everything you need to understand or teach On the Pulse of Morning by Maya Angelou.

  • On the Pulse of Morning Summary & Study Guide

On the Pulse of Morning Overview

“On the Pulse of Morning” is a 13-stanza free verse inaugural poem by Black American poet Maya Angelou. It was originally published in 1993 after Angelou performed it at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration in January of that year. One of her best-known works, the poem reflects on a new era in American public life from the perspective of nature personified. Angelou calls for Americans to embrace unity in diversity rather than hiding from the uncomfortable truths of the country's past.

Study Pack

The On the Pulse of Morning Study Pack contains:

On the Pulse of Morning Study Guide