Point of View

"Praise Song for the Day" is spoken from the first-person collective perspective, "we." This point of view is common for inaugural poems, as it serves the purpose of unifying the audience through the voice of the speaker. Throughout the poem, Alexander uses the first-person plural pronouns "we" and "our," indicating that though she wrote and performed the poem, its sentiments extend to all Americans. This goal is echoed in the poem's representation of a number of different roles and lives, suggesting that the collective "we" consists of vastly different people who nevertheless share the same sets of values.

Language and Meaning

The language of "Praise Song for the Day" is generally accessible, aiding in its appeal to various types of people. Alexander uses common images and knowledge to emphasize the poem's engagement with all Americans, including elements of infrastructure like bridges, highways, and buildings. She...