The 12 months of oh-nine

Here's a quick look back at a few highlights and lowlights from 2009—where we were when we began the year, where we are now, and what happened as the year unfolded, particularly when it comes to jobs. I wish you peace and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010.

The first month of oh-nine

Obama raised his hand

To begin his presidency

Based on "Yes, we can"

Unemployment stood at 7.2

The second month of oh-nine

In a congressional address

Obama called for action now

To solve the economic mess

Unemployment stood at 7.6

The third month of oh-nine

AIG held out its hand

For more bailout money

The largest loan in the land

Unemployment stood at 8.1

The fourth month of oh-nine

The Treasury told Chrysler

If you need more money

Bankruptcy is the answer

Unemployment stood at 8.5

The fifth month of oh-nine

Chrysler shut down dealerships

And joined GM

Handing out pink slips

Unemployment stood at 8.9

The sixth month of oh-nine

The media was obsessed

With Michael Jackson's death

And how Carolina's Sanford transgressed

Unemployment stood at 9.4

The seventh month of 09

A judge allowed GM

To sell its best assets

Which changed the meaning of its acronym

Unemployment stood at 9.5

The eighth month of 09

Saw signs of recovery

As a one/tenth drop in the jobless rate

Gave proof for all to see

Unemployment stood at 9.4

The ninth month of 09

Obama said, "Work hard, stay in school"

Maybe by the time you graduate

There"ll be a job for you

Unemployment stood at 9.7

The tenth month of 09

The administration said

More than 30,000 jobs so far

The stimulus has bred

Unemployment stood at 9.8

The eleventh month of 09

Uncle Sam expanded aid

To unemployed and homebuyers

To help the tired and frayed

Unemployment stood at 10.2

The twelfth month of 09

U.S. citizens await

A Main Street recovery

To which we can relate

Unemployment stands at 10.0

I may be naïve, but I believe we'll pull through this economic mess and, having learned some valuable lessons, emerge stronger. Let's hope we come out on the other side sooner rather than later.

Many things are missing from this verse, most notably our involvement in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I felt it inappropriate to include them in such frivolous prose. Our servicemen and -women are in my thoughts and prayers—always.

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