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Tom Petsinis

Pascal’s tooth

Pascal’s tooth

Pascal’s tooth

Renounce mathematics. I vowed again
To set my faith on paradox, not proof –
Yet spirit could not numb a wisdom tooth
Tormenting me with exponential pain:
I relented, soothed by a circle’s roll.
Released from my crucifixion to bone
I embraced the horizon, heaven’s dome,
The cycloid of an inviolate soul.
For weeks I flew, forgetful of my sin,
Pursuing figures with ideal curves
To wonderful ends, strengthening my nerves
For the penitential line back to Him.
Renounce mathematics! I found the truth,
Exploring with my tongue the rotting root.
Tom  Petsinis

Tom Petsinis

(Australië, 1953)

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Pascal’s tooth

Renounce mathematics. I vowed again
To set my faith on paradox, not proof –
Yet spirit could not numb a wisdom tooth
Tormenting me with exponential pain:
I relented, soothed by a circle’s roll.
Released from my crucifixion to bone
I embraced the horizon, heaven’s dome,
The cycloid of an inviolate soul.
For weeks I flew, forgetful of my sin,
Pursuing figures with ideal curves
To wonderful ends, strengthening my nerves
For the penitential line back to Him.
Renounce mathematics! I found the truth,
Exploring with my tongue the rotting root.

Pascal’s tooth

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Nederlands Letterenfonds
Stichting Van Beuningen Peterich-fonds
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Gefinancierd door de Europese Unie
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