Some Math

In Some Math, the syncopations of poetry meet the (ir)regularity of mathematical equations. Consider the “ story problems” of high school math class. When encountering the word “ and,” replace it with the addition symbol “ +.” When encountering the word “ of,” replace it with the multiplication symbol “ x.” Now reverse the process. The result is a series of sound poems that both employ and interrogate the global language of systems and networks. Astrophysics. Computer science. Short tetrameters. Long dactyls. 9/11. US military strategy. The energy pathways of acupuncture. The fish ladders of Gmail. The wires and electrodes of torture. The swirling products of global capital. Mathematician Benjamin Pierce called his field “ the science that draws necessary conclusions.” You do the math.

Bill Luoma is the author of SOME MATH, WORKS & DAYS, DEAR DAD,  Swoon Rocket , and  Western Love .