Mother and Son

Elisabeth Kelly

We stand, 
the world swirls
atoms and molecules dance,

we seem inert,
but skin hums
air buzzes as states change. 

We reach, 
touch the forms,
pluck individual elements,

I hold Carbon,
it comes easily,
desperate to stabilize.

Your pick Argon, 
nearly lose it, 
complete in its solitude. 

Different but both 
born in a storm,
unchangeable at their core. 

The Science

This poem is inspired by my son. He is neurodiverse and through his passion for science has opened me up to a whole world. I am passionate in my creative and professional life (as an Early Years Teacher) in helping people see the connections between art and science—and that the split is in fact a false dichotomy which is hurting our planet. 

The Poet

Elisabeth Kelly lives on a Scottish hill farm. Her work has appeared in a number of anthologies and online journals. She has a slim chapbook Mind Mathematics published by HybridDreich, a memoir/poetry chapbook due with Selcouth Station and a poetry collection due 2021 with Hedgehog Poetry. She loves the change of seasons and helping people see the connections in our world.

Next poem: Our Brand New Bodies by Oz Hardwick