ONE OF Joe Biden's favourite poems was recited to people across the world during the inauguration celebration on Wednesday night.
President Biden, who has roots in Mayo and Louth, has long vocalised his love for Irish poetry, with Seamus Heaney oft-cited as his favourite Irish poet.
In Delaware on Tuesday, in his farewell to his adopted state before he took office in Washington DC, Mr Biden told supporters that his Colleagues in the Senate "used to always kid me for quoting Irish poets".
"They thought I did it because I’m Irish. I didn’t do it for that reason-- I did it because they’re the best poets in the world."
On Wednesday night, after Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, a "Celebrating America" TV event hosted by Tom Hanks provided an opportunity for supporters to celebrate Mr Biden's inauguration while the Covid-19 pandemic prevented large gatherings, as would be the norm in previous years.
The event included actor Lin-Manuel Miranda reciting Seamus Heaney's poem 'The Cure of Troy', a poem of hope and resilience which Mr Biden has referenced multiple times-- including in a hard-hitting campaign video released in October.
"History says, don't hope
On this side of the grave.
But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up,
And hope and history rhyme."
- Seamus Heaney pic.twitter.com/7nB1ytYlvm— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 29, 2020
Introducing the recital, Hanks said "The president has frequently quoted one poem of his for its particular relevance, inspiring him to declare that this is our moment to make hope and history rhyme."
You can check out the recital of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, by decorated actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, below...
