Palimpsest
down a microscope
offered potato segment cells
aligned like silver sequins
damage like artillery fired
through tissue paper
spared the assault of electrons
can strip their gold overcoats
lie naked under the caress of helium
reveal to us their true selves
softly, sharper, closest.
Gail Hennessy 2016.
I am fascinated by microscopes, telescopes and
kaleidoscopes, I have written this poem after hearing, on ABC radio of the invention
of the helium microscope.
I really enjoyed this. I love "naked under the caress of helium".
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa. I don't know very much of science but ventured to do a botany course at university. I still remember that first encounter with a slice of potato. I switched to geography though as I felt I had too much to catch up. Apparently electrons are used in an 'ordinary' microscope.
DeleteThis is just gorgeous. Science and art – not inimical after all. (Smile.)
ReplyDeleteYes they should work together. I heard that Charlotte Wood, prize winner Ng novelist, has been given a grant from the Charles Perkins Centre at Sydney university to work with researchers there and one of the Canberra universities encourages all new students to read a chosen novel so that they will have something in common to talk about! Appreciate your comment Rosemary.
DeleteI love this! (I'm a closet biochemist :) )
ReplyDeleteI am re-assured Efi that I have the science part right, always a bit concerned about that angle.
Deletewow Gail! such striking connections
ReplyDelete