Of Lighter Nuclei

by Daniel Finkel

To begin with the broken hearts of particles

With the pulling of a lever

And the opening

Of a door

 

To begin with streamlined alloys

That whirl and flash

Singing through the clouds

To burn on sun-gleamed pavement

And bloom on sidewalk streets

 

To begin with the blossoms of quince

A blizzard bursting from brass pods

As lights switch off

As doors slam shut

Footprints no more engraved in gravel earth

It worked