The Vivarium

Jeremy Gadd

The fish swim; some along the length,
some across the width or around the rim of the
tank confining them within their watery world.
Others seem to make conscious decisions:
staying still or darting about without
the slightest indication of fear or self-doubt.
Is there a dilemma of determinism here?
Do those, swimming nonchalantly, believe
in their own volition and that they have free will?
Do others swim thinking they are in control,
like attendees at Davos or the Hollywood Bowl?
Are they aware of other worlds, forces
beyond their small pond – that their universe
has the security and permanence of a junk bond?

The Science

This poem explores the concept of consciousness, defined as the awareness of and responsiveness to one's surroundings. However, its true nature is debated among philosophers, scientists, and theologians. Theologians view consciousness as self-awareness, seeing oneself as an eternal soul, with self-realisation as the ultimate goal of life. Scientists, on the other hand, are investigating ideas like parallel universes and multiverses, which, though firmly established in science fiction, are now being considered by credible researchers. In quantum mechanics, a particle exists in all possible states simultaneously until observed, leading to the idea that multiple realities could unfold based on the observer's perspective. The poem draws parallels between humans and fish in a tank, questioning whether we, like the fish, are aware of our own limited perceptions. It suggests that we might exist within a multiverse, challenging the extent of our consciousness and awareness of broader realities.

The Poet

Jeremy Gadd is an Australian poet and author whose most recent publication was Driving Into the Dark, a selection of 60 previously published poems (Ginninderra Press, Adelaide, 2022). He has Master of Arts and PhD degrees from the University of New England and lives and writes in an old Federation era house overlooking Botany Bay, the birthplace of modern Australia.

Next poem: Thinking and the Murder of Thomas Becket by Richard East