I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

6 April 2013

Arithmetic


One plus one is two.
Two can grow to be one.

Some couples multiply,
becoming one family
of three or four or more.

We didn't do it that way;
not with each other.
Our former families divided.

And grew, as the children
matured and married ...
and dispersed.

Each of us (we two)
became single.

Met. Joined. Coupled.
One plus one makes two.

Two become one unit:
one couple. A single couple.

Merging, fusing, two
can grow to be as one.
This is everything!

But they may separate.
One can part from one,
leaving one alone ...
feeling like nothing.

Is this not singular?


Poetic Asides April PAD Challenge 2013, 5: a plus poem.

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14 comments:

  1. Jennie Fraine6 April 2013 at 16:23

    Poignant - I think that's the word I've been trying to think of - your poetry is particularly poignant nowadays. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade6 April 2013 at 16:47

      You're welcome, love. Yes, well, I guess it would be. *Wry smile.*

      Delete
  2. Sherry Blue Sky8 April 2013 at 14:10

    I so know the poignant reality of this kind of math, Rosemary. You write your way through so wonderfully.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade9 April 2013 at 10:31

      Thanks, Sherry. These prompts can take us to interesting places.

      Delete
  3. Sharp Little Pencil8 April 2013 at 15:45

    It is singular, but unfortunately, its name is also Legion. I was divorced, but still two with Riley... then a plus one with Lex, plus 258 Italian relatives!

    Your math speaks volumes about the human condition. Thanks, Rosemary, and peace, Amy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mary8 April 2013 at 22:58

    Rosemary, yes...it is indeed 'singular' but not unusual, it seems. But one always feels the 'singular' strongly when it is her/him in the equation. Math is always objective, but not always kind.
    Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade9 April 2013 at 10:30

      Thanks for the pertinent comments. I know you understand.

      Delete
  5. dsnake19 April 2013 at 01:03

    a potent kind of maths. :)


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade9 April 2013 at 10:33

      I am not good at the usual kind, lol. But this, I am learning.

      Delete
  6. Preeti S.9 April 2013 at 02:53

    Wow. Brilliant poetry.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jennifer Wagner9 April 2013 at 10:38

    'feeling like nothing'...oh that sucked the air right out of me. Thank you for such a lovely comment on my contribution this week Rosemary! I'm very honored to have been considered for your article!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Stormcat Poetry9 April 2013 at 22:10

    One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do
    Two can be as bad as one
    It's the loneliest number since the number one . . .
    Three Dog Night

    I wonder, if there weren't any twos, maybe one wouldn't seem so lonely.

    ReplyDelete

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