He saw the universe as concentric
spheres, crystalline, all fifty-five of them
termed deferents. Then, turning eccentric
(the man, not the spheres), he swore (not a whim)
each orb was linked to an epicycle—
circling at constant angular velo-
city—linking to planet. Manaical,
you might say. Hit the Greek with a pillow!
you yell. But give Alexander’s tutor
a break. He viewed all—Earth at the center,
Sun stuffed twixt Venus and Mars—just like your
pastor, rabbi, Muslim cleric enter
into each prayer, believing souls hover
within the great Sphere of the Prime Mover.
Roger Armbrust
May 11, 2008
