The lives of parallel lines are uneventful: no sudden twists or unexpected turns disturb their single track monotony. And yet they dream of non-Euclidian space where rules are bent and of that infinite horizon where, at last, they’ll coincide. Concentric circles, on the other hand have no such hyperbolic hope. They know their limitations. Destined to be solitary cranks, they circumlocate, make roundabout excuses and observe their fellows from a distance. They never socialise.
The Science Creative Quarterly
By gwynethbox
En route to South America in the late 80`s, Gwyneth stopped off in Spain to learn some Spanish. Victim of emotional inertia, she has so far failed to achieve escape velocity. She now runs her own design and editorial consultancy where she has been known to turn her hand to anything from book-keeping to programming by way of project analysis, translation and copywriting. When time permits, she writes poetry and does literary translations. She plans to catch a plane to Patagonia `mañana`.
SECONDARY EDUCATION
Thirty years ago, I failed at school. Since then, washing lines and roller blinds have taught me all I need to know of pulleys – more than ever Mr Roberts (maths) was able. I’ve found that sound is energy, as every tug resisted turns to squeak. I sort the clothes in sets, but socks still disappear through worm holes in the wash or wrap themselves in m??bius chains (though less so, now I’ve mastered static electricity and use conditioner). No doubt Miss Jones (domestic science? history?) would be proud of my monarchial skills: I can tell King Edward…
IN THE DOG HOUSE
My Very Excellent Mother used to be the soul of generosity, and her beneficence a universally-acknowledged truth. Around the world, students rejoiced when they recalled that she Just Sent Us Nine Pizzas. But as time passes, so it seems, the universe contracts; mom’s liberality is capped and scientists decree that students will make do with Nothing. Supperless I’m banished to my room. I must redo my fourth grade science project.
BUBBLES
The bubbles in my bath are white; try as I might they never change despite a range of gels and goos in rainbow hues – pinks, greens and blues. The chemists say it’s child’s play to reproduce the scent of fruits, herbs, flowers and roots. But still the foam is monochrome.