Eadem mutata resurgo
Latin motto: Changed, I rise again
Sometimes in spring
I can still find the dried seeds
of the mountain mahogany
clinging to the ends
of the branches—
feathery golden spirals,
logarithmic and light.
How the universe
loves a pattern,
an elegant mathematics—
this same spiral is found
in spider webs, sunflowers,
snail shells, cyclones, the arms
of galaxies, the human ear,
even in the nerves of my cornea
that help me to see
the very pattern that
gives me the ability to see.
I want to find the self-similar spiral curve
that informs kindness and strength
as it spreads through a people. I want
to find the equation that calculates
an exponentially growing radius of love.
I want to find the dynamic beauty in us
that amplifies as it moves out
with ever increasing speed
from the infinite center.
I want to embody the trustworthy constant
that inspires our species to be better,
want to know the recursive courage that drives us
to thrive in difficult times.
Our potential, endless, yet humble
as last year’s seed in my hand, ready
to be planted, to sprout, to grow.
This is a keeper … may we all spiral inward during this time of isolation … fewer distractions or at least newer distractions that our brains do not already have well-worn routines for shushing … and such a gorgeous image!
Thanks, Jazz!! Yes … to the spiraling inward. And out … both so important, but one more neglected perhaps … and thanks for the note on the image!
All this came from a mountain mahogany? Remarkable!
it’s tough stuff, that mountain mahogany … 🙂 but it was the spiral that set me off!!!
I love this, and especially how the poem was shaped in the email version.
thanks, Melanie … yes, I wish it would come through that way … not sure why it doesn’t?? But it was the Fibonacci sequence … 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34
A truly beautiful reflection that curves its way straight into our hearts. Amen to your heartfelt thoughts! 🙂