Weird Science by Victor Harris Jr. is a secular, inspirational poem about the cosmos. Victor Harris Jr. is a skeptic, humanist, atheist, and poet with a passion for science.
His love of science comes alive through inspirational poetry and uplifting science-based verses quoting the likes of Stephen Hawking and Carl Sagan while reflecting on our place in the Cosmos.
Weird Science - by Victor Harris Jr.
I am an amazing amalgamation of milliseconds;
A compilation of coincidences;
A collection of infinitely small spans of time that separates me from the possibility of my bloodline.
I have managed to outswim 500 million of my brothers and sisters to be here today -
Continuing a chain of happenstance that began moments after
The big bang brought the universe into being.
Matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed,
So the same molecules that make up me in this instance
Have been in existence
For over 13 billion years!
We are heavenly,
But there is no godly hand evident in the creation of man.
I can instead trace evidence of my being into the cosmos.
The same elements that make me unique have been sourced to create the universe.
I mean, forget Jesus;
Stars died.
Galaxies gave their lives to form my fingertips.
How could I not find wonder in waking up,
Be more amazed at each day that I am granted more time on this little blue marble,
Floating through the vast emptiness of space?
I am in awe of life.
To quote Carl Sagan:
“I find it elevating and exhilarating to discover,
that we live in a universe which permits the evolution of molecular machines as intricate and subtle as we.”
I am left breathless by the understanding that my continuance is an example of the improbable vs. the impossible,
And despite what some might think,
This makes my life more precious –
Makes each day more valuable –
Lends weight and reality
To the precious actuality of each person that I allow into my life,
Because I see that they
Are an amazing amalgamation of milliseconds,
A compilation of coincidences,
A collection of infinitely small spans of time that separates them from the possibility of their bloodline.
So I offer assistance where I’m able,
Compassion when I can,
And a hug when life’s weight proves too great for them to stand,
Because these memories will be the markers of my legacy –
Allowing me to exist for eternity –
Or at least,
A few years past my mental exit from this planet;
A few years past my physical exit from this planet;
A few years past that moment in time when my atoms are reconnected with the cosmos.
I live my life relaxed and happy
Because I know that I could be gone tomorrow,
And like Stephen Hawking said,
“When your expectations have been reduced to zero,
Do you truly appreciate everything you have.”
More work by Victor Harris Jr.: http://poetvictorharrisjr.com/
Victor also owns and operates Reuschell’s Cheesecakes in the San Francisco, East Bay Area.
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