Descartes first described it. Bernoulli called
it a miracle, amazed how it grows
with each curve, but never alters shape. All
you have to do: study nature. You’ll know
by soft swirls in sunflowers, nautilus
shells. The moth approaches flame the same way
the hawk falls toward prey. The Coriolis
force affects the cyclone’s gyre, doesn’t sway
its form. The Milky Way’s arms enfold space,
mirror the charming curves of broccoli.
Subatomic particles seem to race
on similar paths of geometry
in bubble chambers. Eye’s iris contracts
in quick curls (like toes) when humans climax.
Roger Armbrust
May 18, 2008
