Algorithm
Take any segment and drop out the middle third. Take
the remaining thirds and repeat the process, i.e. take
each of the two segments and drop out the middle
third. A million iterations should be sufficient.
Sometimes I find it helps. I applied the algorithm to last
April and got impossible results. I placed all the pieces
in two Ziploc bags and labeled them accordingly:
Gaps and Dust.
Ignoring the gaps, I was able to save a young girl,
who’s still learning perspective, a few sleepless nights.
Working with the dust , I created a mosaic. A sleeping
seed is juxtaposed against a small white arm flexing
up through black in a plastic cup. A certain kiss,
though stuttering, takes on a life of its own. Though
borrowed, the arrow Borges launched is still resting on
the page.
This poem, “Alogorithm,” by RL Swihart first appeared on elimae
Bio: R L Swihart currently resides in Long Beach, CA, and teaches high school mathematics in Los Angeles. His work appears in various print and online journals, including elimae, Mimesis, Night Train, Barnwood, and Bateau.
