President's Wife Offers Reading of Michael Alexander Poem As Part of Inaugural Festivities

In a presidential inauguration ceremony that reflected the weeklong celebration of "Embracing Diversity," there was poetry, dance, and rich reflection. Mayor David B. Cohen provided greetings from the City of Newton and proclaimed April 4, 2008 as "Michael Alexander Day."

Students from "Divine Step," a group of accomplished and energetic "stompers" from Lasell, offered a rousingly emphatic opening performance to welcome the new president. Poet and playwright Magdalena Gomez offered an ardent and moving poem, "A New Way to Stand," written specifically for Alexander. And, the president's wife, Mary Barbara Alexander – an actress, zoologist and activist – provided a touching, personal biography of Michael Alexander (the couple has been together for 41 years and have a daughter) along with an expert reading on one of his poems, "Midnight."

Midnight

The moon at its apex in a summer sky
spreads its warm umbrella across
the twinkling dome.
I strain to see through the gossamer
to the darkness beyond
where vast secrets abound.

Were I behind that curtain
I could feel it all expanding
growing and pulsating
the emptiest parts more massive than
everything we know.
Darkness would be brilliant
and lightness obfuscated
a blackboard filled with snow.

Thought can take me there
the moonbeams at my back
at speeds even Einstein can't confine
no limits to the explorations
the journeys and meanderings
that happen in my mind.

I'll swing my arms wide and scoop the bodies up
black and red and yellow
spilling over like celestial flowers from an apron
to settle at my feet.
And when I'm all surrounded
and every way is up
I'll flap my arms and legs
an angel I will be.

Down here within the moon's strong grasp
there is no such clarity
imagination is grounded by
the earth's rough gravity.

I think I'll come and dream again
explore a galaxy or two
when midnight is its darkest
and the moon is new.

-- Michael Alexander