what equals metaphor plus math?

numbers

I

numbers are magic
as everyone knows
numbers of fingers
and numbers of toes

one is a number
as is two, as is three
big's not a number
and neither is wee

but you can give them a number
if you measure them close
you can give them a number
for lesser or most

red's not a number
and neither is blue
but we give them both numbers
and think that it's true

numbers aren't real
they can't hug you or kiss you
they can't feed you a meal
and numbers won't love you

zero's a number
or just an idea
it gives nothing away
but a question: to be?

II

What if we could map the future?
If we could graph the probability
of you loving me, of me loving you?
This moment, its topology, its exact
dimensions and chronology - if we
could fracture it into its smallest
signifier - decipher the most obtuse
and mysterious functions - if we
could do that - this moment, its
infinite fractals, spinning off one
from the next - if you, if I, are only
numbers, the consequence of some
algebraic equation, some geometric
shape - do we add? Do we divide?
Each solution holds the next problem.

III

zero equals spiral
the moment of conception
anything is possible

one at the center
the beginning
and the end

two, the dialectic
balance, and also
contradiction

three is perfection
in its fullness
nothing is missing

four is totality
this earth
and all its directions

five is the star
it is fire
it is light

six is power
it is destiny
unfolding

seven is fulfillment
it is motion
it is change

eight
the pillar
and the path

nine
is the serpent
that bites its own tail

zero, the spiral
the shell
and the snail

 

This week's prompt was to incorporate mathematics into a poem. As you can see, I found this unusually inspiring.   

Comments

[Rachel Barenblat]

I like the third section of this poem very much, especially "two, the dialectic / balance." It's intriguing to see what symbolism you've attached to each number, and where that symbolism is or isn't aligned with what I would choose. :-)

[paisley]

they were all very well done,,, but i loved the sing songy nature of the first one... it really had me going.....

[aLAN]

II is 22 much B-)
Mathematical Reflection

[Christine]

Genius! In the first one I thought of synesthesia, when people sometimes imagine numbers in certain colors. Maybe that was your plan!

II shows great control of language, yet it reads so well.

III reminds me of numerology and secret codes.

Intriguing poems.

[...deb]

Love these. I was so glad to read a series. The last one was my favorite, possibly because I have always loved numbers and those secrets. But using "obtuse" in II captured me. It's one of my favorite words...you used it - and so many - well here.

And then there's the amazement of zero...you got that in all three, too. I'm one of your fans. (0, 1, 2, 3 : I couldn't resist, though it's not as clever as Alan's.)

[UL]

This was beautiful...I love numbers, I love poetry, but couldnt combine the two like you have beautifully done here. Thanks for sharing.

[SB]

Ha! This is great -- everyone likes a different section best; comments so erudite they go right over my head; and readers who like poems and math!

For the third section, I browsed The Dictionary of Symbols, which has pages on each number. Lots of connotation from which to choose.

This was a fun prompt.

[Niki]

Poem I rhymes!! This is the first peom I have read of your that does so. Poem II - I found I ended up hearing a rap beat as I read it. Really! Try "rapping it". Poem III - so cool. Made me wonder, tho, why is 3 perfect?