The Human Virus

Robin Lamboll

Yes, humans are viruses, not just stylistically
Literal viruses hide in our genes, nearly
One part in ten of the code to make me
Is a self-replicating nanomachine
That was crystallised when it hitched a ride
And decided to stay more than half-alive
Yet I'm doing fine. Over time viruses realised
That destroying their host will soon leave them exposed,
So it's better to be just annoying at most.
If it’s really comfy, the virus gets homely
Its genes become yours, only clone themselves slowly.

If you remember one thing from today
You can thank viral genes rearranging your brain
As your nerve-endings keep sending
Viral code packets wrapped in viral coats
To tell the right cells that it’s worth staying close
To make memories.

And as mammals,
We should give thanks to the virus that birthed us;
The genes our mums’ wombs used to know how to nurture,
How tenderly they should be treating placentas
And feeding the foetus, like cute influenza.

And most of earth’s viruses just kill bacteria
Safely slide off our cell membrane’s exterior,
So to develop a microbe deterrent
Our bodies make mucus especially gloopous
And sticky so viruses hold on inside of us
Ready to kill any germs that collide with us
(Note: please don’t use your snot as an antibac gel,
Yes it technically is, but that won’t end well)
The real point that I’m here expressing is
Most of the viruses in my skin are blessings.

We are all part virus. But what does that mean?
What kind of virus do you want to be?

The Science

Viruses play a huge role in our ecosystems, regulating bacteria, and in creating the diversity of life we see around us. They represent a huge wealth of genes - possibly more than in any other life form - regularly jumping into cells and messing with how they work. Like the mutations that drive most of evolution, this is usually a bad thing, but on occasion, it has a huge upside. This poem describes two cases in mammals: the gene that enables the formation of the placenta, so that live birth can happen; and a gene that controls brain development, by allowing brain cells to exchange protein-coding information (RNA) in virus-like protein shells. In mammals, useful viruses like this are important but rare. In bacteria, receiving genes this way is a daily occurrence.

The Poet

Dr Robin Lamboll researches climate change and human emissions, and writes on the intersection between the natural and the human. Robin has won the Cambridge, UK, and Madrid International poetry slam finals, and came second in the World Cup of Slam in Paris 2019.

Next poem: The Invention of Rational Economic Man by Ali Al-Jamri