"Kennedy greets Robert Frost, right, after a reading by the poet. Frost recited from memory his poem, ""The Gift Outright,"" marking the first time a poet participated in an inaugural program. <a href=""https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/text/poetry-and-power-robert-frosts-inaugural-reading"" target=""_blank"">According to the Academy of American Poets</a>, Frost had written a new piece for the occasion called ""Dedication,"" which he planned to recite as a preface to ""The Gift Outright."" But it was a cold and sunny day, and because of the bright sunlight reflecting off the snow-covered grounds, he was unable to see and read his newly composed piece."
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