The audience wanted to celebrate but it was a stern – and brilliant – inaugural speech.

I watched it in my office break room. It wasn’t my first choice for a location, but at least I got to see it with other people. Aretha Franklin! Yo-Yo Ma!

And that rascal Roberts trying to get him to flub! He even skipped the part about protecting us from enemies, both foreign and domestic!

But – wiping a tear and sighing happily – I’m so glad.

From now on – I vow to extend a hand also…. if you will unclench your fist.

That’s not weakness, but a very singular kind of strength.

It was a “gird your loins” speech, which makes me think that he’s gotten some information that we don’t yet know, even given everything we already do know.

But I can’t be apprehensive today. I’m too glad in my soul.

Congrats to Barack Obama – and to America. A new day has come.