The Double Helix (for Watson, Crick, et al.)
The infinite chains of being inform us
but only after deepest search.
We must turn things upside down -
ourselves, our thought, the models that we mold.
The right side up must meet the upside down
to make a match.
The differences are hardly that
but placement makes it so:
one spiral pulsing dark, the other light,
together springing into life.
Effort, error, wild love, stubborn thought,
the miner's courage - blend to foil the Sphinx
until at last we see and do not have to pay the ancient price.
Spiraling forms wrapped round each other -
It is impossible to gaze upon their coil
without the gasp of pleasure,
without hearing the music of this universe.