Poem

Tom Petsinis

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Pascal’s tooth

Pascal’s tooth

Pascal’s tooth

Renounce mathematics. I vowed again
To set my faith on paradox, not proof –
Yet spirit could not numb a wisdom tooth
Tormenting me with exponential pain:
I relented, soothed by a circle’s roll.
Released from my crucifixion to bone
I embraced the horizon, heaven’s dome,
The cycloid of an inviolate soul.
For weeks I flew, forgetful of my sin,
Pursuing figures with ideal curves
To wonderful ends, strengthening my nerves
For the penitential line back to Him.
Renounce mathematics! I found the truth,
Exploring with my tongue the rotting root.

© 1998, Tom Petsinis
From: Naming the Number
Publisher: Penguin Books,

Tom Petsinis

Tom Petsinis

(Australia, 1953)

Tom Petsinis was born in Greek Macedonia and emigrated with his family to Australia when he was six. Although English became his first language, Greek and Slavic Macedonian was still spoken at home, and the country of origin remains a strong influence. He later acquired what he calls his ‘fourth language’, the language of mathematics.

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Pascal’s tooth

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Pascal’s tooth

Renounce mathematics. I vowed again
To set my faith on paradox, not proof –
Yet spirit could not numb a wisdom tooth
Tormenting me with exponential pain:
I relented, soothed by a circle’s roll.
Released from my crucifixion to bone
I embraced the horizon, heaven’s dome,
The cycloid of an inviolate soul.
For weeks I flew, forgetful of my sin,
Pursuing figures with ideal curves
To wonderful ends, strengthening my nerves
For the penitential line back to Him.
Renounce mathematics! I found the truth,
Exploring with my tongue the rotting root.

From: Naming the Number

Pascal’s tooth

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