by alphabet, by number, and by sign
we net what nature never met unwed
and make of space a square, of time a line.
reality by [t]reason realigned
subordinates whole heart to half-wise head
to half-abet a numbness by design:
diminishing to datum, we define
all shadows out from deeps divine, shades shed
to mark out space in squares and time in lines.
in constructs, contact’s conscience we confine
and with a pen pare down what presence said
to alpha’s set: bare number and mere sign.
then so reduced, ourichness we resign.
we make eternal infinite instead
and shake our species’ care to mind the lines.
and when these commonsenseless crimes combine
we tremble to approach where truth once tread–and so
by alphabet, by number, and by sign
we make of space a square, of time a line.