We encounter each other in words, words
spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed,
words to consider, reconsider.

–Elizabeth Alexander,  from “Praise Song for the Day”

Poetry is dear to the heart of Three Muses, and we were delighted to hear these words on the occasion of Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration. The full poem, written  and presented by poet Elizabeth Alexander, was graciously provided to the New York Times by Graywolf Press, who will soon release a commemorative chapbook of the inaugural poem.