A Clockwork by Numbers

I am not very good with numbers, and that's putting it lightly. But with them resides the secret of the universe and possibly the working of love.

A Clockwork by Numbers 

(In love)

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

Science has debated 

Since beginning of time

While philosophers ponder

Its meaning in ryhme 

For time is relative

To those who equate

It flows numerically 

As men contemplate

Admittedly, I'm lacking 

Einstein's genius resolve 

Defining expansive universe 

Within equation he solved 

Throughout vast numbers 

And beyond decimal dot

Enigmas are revealed 

In mathematics we're taught 

The weight of an atom

Is granular and pure

Our cosmos are endless 

Mind-numbing they stir

Despite our intentions 

We fail to see

The principles of love

Lack discovery 

No number can  quantify

The yearning of heart

Lost is all sense

As emotions fall apart

But one can find 

solace in two

For prime is a number

Equal to you

  

Author's Note

Recently got into a minor disagreement with my muse. She insulted my intelligence (rightly so) by saying "You are no Einstein, fool." And my retort was just as cruel as I said "You are no Shakespeare!". In which she replied with burning wit, "Speak for yourself, idiot. " I had to admit that hurt. But I am still alive so maybe....yeah right keep dreaming. Feel free to comment or leave thoughts.

Reviews

[Anell A]

Beautifully Written. Beautiful and easy transitions between points. For example"it flows numerically
As men contemplate... within equation he solved".

Numbers, time, the Universe, and love. Wow. Amazing work.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Anell for your nice comment on this poem. I contemplated hard on whether to submit this work at all. But as you insightfully reflect in your comment about numbers, time, the universe and love they were by design and defined the meaningful theme of this art. In my writing I strive for an emotional response or to elicit a deep thought on the words. Hearing your response on how this poem affected you means everything to me as a writer. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me.

[Lathen Griffiths]

Lovely writing as always Carlos, happy Friday.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Lathen for the kind comment. As a fan of your art I truly appreciate it my friend.

[Lathen Griffiths]

Right back at you my friend.

[William Michael Reeves]

I like the big surprise after the science lesson to find love. The pure and granular weight of an atom. Pure weight. What does purity weigh? As much as the love of two. This poem generated much thought. Thanks for making my brain come alive!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

You are very welcome William and thank you for reading and commenting on this poem. I truly appreciate it. Any time I can elicit thought or emotion on something I write that means the world to me because it is what I strive for in my writing. Thank you so much again.

[Betty Hermelee]

let's forget all these crazy numbers (I was terrible in math!) let's just say that yes, time moves on in numbers (that's easy enough!) but two is the most important number, as it reveals an attachment of two people with feeling, emotions, moods, sensual pleasure, exotic dreams....let's just say "one can find solace in two"....most important!
Love the poem!
Best, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you B, as someone who struggled horribly when it came to mathematics in school I agree with you. I have a respect for math but I love writing and words instead. Thank you so much again.

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome… not that mathematicians are smart, they’re just a different breed!

[Fran Marie]

when one sees 1 plus 1 equals 11 instead of 2
that's when love slips into trouble,.like the rhyme
and rhythm in poetic verse flowing down the page..
and remember, muses aren't always right

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I totally agree with your assessment. If someone indeed sees 1+ 1 equals 11 I definitely would caution loving someone who can't count when it comes to love. Thank you Fran for your always insightful thoughts and comments. They mean a lot to me.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"But one can find
solace in two

For prime is a number
Equal to you"

Love your playful, rhyming couplets, Carlos! Each one is a philosopher's gem of thought. Perhaps it is the Fibonacci Sequence of love put to the test? In any case, it's great writing (and don't listen to your opinionated Muse-ha! Love the 'sum' of this poetic equation my friend.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you kindly for your thoughts and encouragement Annette. I truly appreciate it. In my education as a child my attention span was very lacking. Especially when it came to math. My mind just didn't work well with mathematics. It was like trying to decipher an Egyptian hieroglyphic. Numbers were just strange symbols to me. Words on the other hand had an opposite effect. There is genius in both numbers and letters. At times they can be interchangeable in language and abstract thought. As well as equation. I wish I could go back in time and be a better student. But as I continue to grow old I see that life is just one constant period of education. We never stop learning. Thank you kindly again for your words.

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello my friend. Math and love. Rarely fall right.
"No number can quantify
The yearning of heart"
I do agree with the above lines. Thank you Carlos for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you CP for the kind comment my friend. One regret in life was the fact I did not apply myself to my full potential during those vital educational years of my youth. I didn't value the worth a good education provides. I spent more times day dreaming than actually attempting to learn. I feel had I taken those opportunities more seriously math would have been pursuit worthy of accomplishment. But alas, a poet isn't so bad either. With that being said I always encourage younger folks to apply themselves voraciously in their education. The more educated one is the greater opportunities there are. Thank you again my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Carlos.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

great ending...and yes, so many things can be solved with equations, with mathematics....love is not one of them. There is too much grey area for which numbers cannot concede.
One and one don't always equal one.
j.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

An insightful and wise assessment J. Which rings true with a bit of poetry as well. The universe may be defined numerically, but in a poet's heart love gives it wonder. I'll choose words over numbers every time. Thank you so much J for your thoughts as always. I appreciate it my friend.

[John the Baptist]

If there's anything I can't stand, it's a bitchy muse. The math theme is a fascinating device, especially concerning Einstein, who, as I understand it, developed the theory of relativity in an intuitive way. As you say here, no number can quantify the yearning of the heart. That is a true statement, for math can only deal with the universe of matter. Matters of the heart and soul go beyond that.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you John for your insightful comment on this poem. In a universe of numbers love is an equation all its own. A clock may tick like a heart but is lacking in the power of its emotion. Thank you again.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Carlos, this is a lovely little read. Your author notes made me smile. Yes numbers are everything. Maths is everywhere, but not when it comes to falling in love. That is a mystery. That defies maths or science. It just happens and we can't help ourselves or stop it either. Thank you for reminding me and also for some reflections on past pleasures. Hope you are keeping well, dear poet.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Chris for the kind words. I was reminded by my muse how horrible a math student I was throughout my education growing up. Trying to memorize numbers and their value always left my brain in a fog. Even now I almost gave myself a nose bleed trying to calculate y²=x³+ax+b. Omg who would even do that? I will stick to words and the alphabet. Thank you so much again for your thoughts.