Probably

This is the Collatz conjecture:
pick a number, one dear to you,
one you might allow to brew the coffee
in the morning.  If this number is even–
smooth like a sprung dance floor, even as the lake
at twilight when the wind has died–
divide it by two.  Nothing so straightforward
stays whole forever.  If the number is odd –
like his brother, the one who winks
and runs his hand along your shoulder –
multiply it by three (though that’s a party best avoided)
and add one, your sister-in-law perhaps,
with her raspberry-scented hair
and interesting eye shadow.  Apply these rules
over and over.  When you get to one, stop. 
Theory says you will always be reduced to this,
the only number you can rely on. 

Comments

[AfterLiterature]

Link to closed critique

[silent lotus]

dear Ros

congratulations on the presentation of PROBABLY
on the front page !

a fine choice indeed

a warm smile
silent lotus

[Ben Johnson]

Ros this is so late, but this is fantastic, I've missed it in-between readings. This is so perfectly formed. You have blended the mathematical and human experience in this to a degree that feels just right. Personally I wouldn't change a word.

In awe,

Ben.

[Rosemary Badcoe]

Thanks silent lotus and Ben! I've been wavering for ages about whether to lose the last line. Or the last two lines.

Ros