Mandelbrot melodies
launched in a swing,
orbits of ceiling fan –
worlds taking wing;
Pendulum patterns
sans ending or start,
iterate templates
wed chaos to art!
Quadratic escape points
form Julia sets
with cycling dynamics -
engrossing duets!
Should Möbius allusions
autistic array,
would visions of fractals
fill endless display?
Author notes
Please ponder www.fractovia.org/art/day/swamp.html and other beautiful creations of fractal art at www.fractovia.org and be aware these are copyrighted works of art (I have tried to contact author and find and post copyright, but have had "default mail client not properly installed" problems. If you figure out how to contact/post copyright, I would immensely appreciate your letting me know how!)
sans: without
iterate: using the output of a previous operation as input for the next (iteration) creates a predictably changing (dynamic) system
Julia sets: the interface between cycling and escaping points
Mandelbrot set: the totality of all possible Julia sets for a quadratic equation
escape points tend to infinity under iteration
Möbius [strip]: a surface with only one side and only one boundary component. The Möbius strip has the mathematical property of being non-orientable. It is also a ruled surface. It was discovered independently by the German mathematicians August Ferdinand Möbius and Johann Benedict Listing
fractal: (mathematics) a geometric pattern that is repeated at EVERY scale and so cannot be represented by classical geometry
"thought" I used to think of repetition as dull and boring, until I discovered fractals. Combining that thought with the near obsession with repetition displayed in autistic family members, I began to wonder if they don't perceive more strongly an innate aspect of beauty in repetition that makes distraction practically painful.
A contest entry
- Quantum...uh huh... by islekine.
700 points, ended January 13, 2009, 7 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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I'm drawn to the ideas behind this poem but I find it a little hard to follow because of all the technical terms. Thanks for the notes; they helped me understand. I've re-read a few times and it gets easier each time! lol. I suppose it might even detract from the poem if you were to make it less technical: it somewhat reflects the workings of the autistic mind, i.e. the tendancy to acquire deep technical knowledge in very specific areas.
I have AS and I agree totally with your idea that people on the autistic spectrum may be more aware of "an innate aspect of beauty in repetition". My view is that we see things more as they *are* and less as they *mean*. Think of a face: we may see the features very well (there are many savant/highly skilled autistic artists - often life drawers) but miss the significance: the emotions. Similarly, I can see patterns in things better than most people (literally and figuratively) and do find things such as fractals immensely beautiful. I've made fractal art myself without the need to input any algorithms: those were in my head. (Not to brag: they're nowhere near as complex as those generated by the specialist software).
I think you would enjoy my poem 'The Ultimate In-Joke' (it very strongly reflects your themes). Perhaps you would also like my piece of prose 'A Strange Joke' which the poem was based on. The prose gets a bit weird* but is an insight into the ways of thinking that are possible to an autistic mind.
*By weird, I mean radical philosophy (not radical in a political sence but in a metaphysical one). -
Your poem makes me think! OUCH! Bill once tried to show me what a Mobius strip was, and his math magazines often feature fractals as cover art. I really think you're on to something here, that Asbergers and Autism are not necessarily disabilities, just unique ways the brain functions.
The way society is structured, the people with fluid interpersonal skills get way ahead of those whose skills make them honest because they're not capable of BS'ing their way through meetings. They see what is the right way and can't depart from it, even under protest from others. So they're referred to as "stupid" or perhaps "inflexible" and are in constant fears of losing their job. Such people are the backbone of many companies. *jumps off soapbox*.
Okay, I'm generalizing here. But isn't that what poets do?
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What interesting suppositions! You know, I was thinking as I read back through this about creation declaring His Majesty. The meticulous order in the universe is truly a beautiful thing to fathom. His thoughts are higher than out thoughts, and I think you may be on to something here...that we tend to dismiss that which we do not have the full capacity to appreciate as mundane, when there is indeed fascination to be found therein. Wow, this is really one to ponder.
From the poetic standpoint, I also liked your incorporation of alliteration and your always prolific vocabulary. Wonderful language manipulation, doll.
Truly enjoyed reading and thinking about this one!
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Oh My Word~
I find this fascinating especially when You mentioned repitition displayed in Autistic family members
One of my friends was obsessed with fractals and the way he thought was so unique- but so darn Creative- he felt so mentally organized
Excellent take on the prompt also informative~
I learn something new everyday
Woot!
Congratulations on Your Trophy win!
-Throws confetti-
Woooooooooo Hoooooooooooo
Thank You for sharing Your Talent and Voice~
Many blessings to You in all You do Sweet One
Best wishes too
with much love & light~ Desire~*~
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This was a lot for me to take in,
even though I write future sci fi and have used most of these concepts...Your AN are great...thank you!
AND have you read my random thoughts on my site?
where I mention that maybe autism is the next step UP the evolutionary chain? We always tend to look at different as slower, or less developed than ourselves...
maybe we are wrong, and blind...maybe...
Thanks for a wonderful entry!
Write on!
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Wow, I'm fascinated by fractals. The poem itself seem like that to me- too complicated to analyze, but beautiful to behold. This is one I'll have to read a number of times-picking up new things each pass. I like "wed chaos to art", "engrossing duets" and "autistic array".
KW~
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Wow wow wow. Having some limited exposure to math and autistic children, this poem is beautiful. The notes helped a lot! You are exceptionally talented at expression. I love this one.
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Extraordinary write, highly enjoyable read.
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Wonderful! I love the rhyme and amazing visuals. I have missed reading and learning from your work!
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I bet you are a hoot at parties. I esp like the rhyme.
Joe
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I ignored the notes and just enjoyed the poem - nice way to start a working day for me.
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