sparks

-->

sparks

“every material is a conductor when the voltage is high enough, since a high enough voltage can always tear electrons loose from atoms. for example, air is normally considered to be an insulator. however, when a large electrical charge accumulates on a thunder cloud, the atoms of air in the region of the cloud are torn apart, turning the air into a plasma. this is how a lightning bolt is created.”

-james trefil

i thought water

with cupfuls of salt

was a trick to discover,

a hat filled with cute bunnies,

someone cleaning ions

in a bucket.

the materials remain

disposable, at my

feet. i will trade pennies

for copper, i will ask

for gold.

i knew the rain

meant plasma, i mean

i knew the clouds meant fog.

choosing, chosen, singing

signs, they all swim together,

numbers rearranged, 

deranged,

defined.

sinking and floating, we bob

through crests and troughs.

buzzing and dancing, we flicker

wings upon air, zooming.

enough with the metaphors.

a high enough voltage can always tear

electrons loose from atoms.

a symphony of lightning,

i swear, birds dove into hiding at this point.

watch out! you have no idea

where the live wires were buried.

i won't even mention the charge.

9.24.12