ad astra!

This is one of my new favorite poems…

Boston
   —Aaron Smith

I’ve been meaning to tell
you how the sky is pink
here sometimes like the roof
of a mouth that’s about to chomp
down on the crooked steel teeth
of the city,

I remember the desperate
things we did
                and that I stumble
down sidewalks listening
to the buzz of street lamps
at dusk and the crush
of leaves on the pavement,

Without you here I’m viciously lonely

and I can’t remember
the last time I felt holy,
the last time I offered
myself as sanctuary

*

I watched two men
press hard into
each other, their bodies
caught in the club’s
bass drum swell,
and I couldn’t remember
when I knew I’d never
be beautiful, but it must
have been quick
and subtle, the way
the holy ghost can pass
in and out of a room.
I want so desperately
to be finished with desire,
the rushing wind, the still
small voice.

Dear Mr. Pellerito:

Thank you for contacting me about the Department of Defense (DOD) Homosexual Conduct Policy, informally known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” I appreciate you sharing your views with me.

In my view, DOD’s current Homosexual Conduct Policy, which precludes openly gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals from serving in our armed forces, is a disservice to the brave men and women who comprise our all-volunteer force. I opposed this discriminatory “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy when it came into existence, and I support its repeal.

President Obama has pledged to work with Congress and the DOD to repeal the Homosexual Conduct Policy so that gay, lesbian and bisexual service members can serve openly. I believe any revision to this policy must be done in a thoughtful and careful manner and with a buy-in from the military. To that end, the Senate Armed Services Committee, which I chair, will hold hearings on this issue in early 2010. I will be sure to keep your views in mind as Congress continues to consider this matter.

Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,
Carl Levin