Poetry at its best uses words in new ways. Mathematics sometimes does that also. But for a poet to use mathematical terms in new ways can be risky. Nichita Stanescu (Romania, 1933 - 1983) was a poet unafraid to take that risk. Here is Sean Cotter's translation of Stanescu's "On the Life of Ptolemy" from the new and fine Stanescu collection, Wheel with a Single Spoke.
On the Life of Ptolemy by Nichita Stanescu
Ptolemy believed in the straight line,
It exists.
Count its points and, if you can,
tell me the number.
Showing posts with label Ptolemy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ptolemy. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
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