Mobius

Many of us remember from high school geometry class a brief lesson on the topic of a Mobius strip.  I remember being fascinated with this three-dimensional construct with only one side and also one outer edge.

As years passed, this concept took on a kind of wonder as I came to understand how this model–easily represented by twisting a strip of paper halfway and fastening the ends together–transcends the duality of opposites.

It has now become a powerful symbol in my view of the world and my existence.


Mobius

In pondering the scope of what exists,
The nonexistent soon confounds my ken.
And yet-to-be with was in tension twists;
As good with ill, live dead, me you, now then.
We thus belie our sense when Truth we know,
As wisdom lies where mysteries persist.
In two directions every line must go;
Two endless journeys simply to exist.
Infinity made fragment, faith made fact;
It leaves a mind to mourn Conception’s state:
A shadow shattered, its source still intact,
A mobius essence torn and then stretched straight.
          And now to mend that strip to make it whole—
          The noblest motive of my homeward soul.

8 thoughts on “Mobius

  1. Paul – This is breathtaking.
    “Infinity made fragment, faith made fact,” and “the noblest motive of my homeward soul'” are my favorite parts – brilliant. I really love this and will reread it many times. Opposite elements of life juxtaposed masterfully here. My homeward soul…wow.

  2. Paul- another morning post which leaves me something to think about on the drive to work. I have been spending years (slowly) cultivating mindfulness and appreciation for Eastern ideas. This concept of the Möbius strip and the dissolving of duality is interesting (to make an understatement). We are conditioned to see the opposites as truth when it is not- easy ways for our brains to make sense of the world when really everything falls on a spectrum. Thanks Paul

    1. I have truly appreciated your comments this month. Thanks for encouraging me in this effort. And, of course, I rather enjoy your blog as well.

  3. I had to wonder and ponder your poem for a bit. It sings a song of sadness and hope. Our actions are our own, but our journey passes, and therefore interacts with, others. Thank you for giving thought to life. This quality in you shows in the choices you make and the actions you take.

  4. This Shakespearean sonnet is packed with “ohs,” the long vowel that keeps discovering and reacting…..I love how you wove the rhyme scheme and meter so beautifully and skillfully.

    1. Thanks for recognizing that it is a sonnet. It is such an outmoded form, but I use it a lot because I enjoy the challenge. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful and encouraging comments.

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