THE GIFT OUTRIGHT

 

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Back in 1961, I recall sitting in Mr. Ball's 6th grade class. One day our teacher walked over to a black and white television set, raised the rabbit ears, and clicked it on. January 20th dawned bright and bold, though the winter had not loosened its grip on the nation's Capital and the celebrants who surrounded the nation's Capitol Building. President Elect John F. Kennedy wore an ankle length formal trench coat that day, as he prepared to take the reigns of power from the outgoing President Dwight D. Eisenhower; who was similarly attired. The nation's preeminent poet, Robert Frost, rose to speak. In all of the decades which have followed that prestigious day, I was sure he read those memorable lines of his "The Road Not Taken." But apparently, my memory had failed me. I know now that he had actually chosen a different poem, "The Gift Outright." As he made his way through this particular bit of writing, the blinding sunlight and his failing eyesight made it impossible to finish; at least in the manner those surrounding him, and his TV audience might have expected. The aging poet looked up from his script, and began to quote the lines from memory. I think when he concluded, Mr. Frost must have smiled a somewhat whimsical smile, and made his way back to his seat.

by William McDonald, PhD