geometry 1. a branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement, properties, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids (“Geometry,” 2019).
I am holding a sphere and I am considering its geometry. I am concerned with its surface(s) and shape and while I am concerned with these properties
I am a mathematician. I am donning and
accepting the label like
trying on a hat. I am looking in the mirror and considering how it might look at different angles and if I should continue wearing it. While I am considering if I should continue, I have forgotten to consider the points, lines and
higher dimensional analogues of the sphere that I am holding. I continue to hold it as I consider that it’s possible to ‘fake it ’til ya make it’, which it is. I continue to hold the object and it’s a piece of fruit. It becomes an orange and I cut it into segments. I feed it to a friend and the potential to become or remain a mathematician is lost. I am becoming a provider so my friend is expecting more segments of orange from me. I go out to collect some more spheres. I take them from branches that hang over fences and alleys and bring them to my friend. Each time I attempt to cut the spheres into segments, there is a moment where I am holding the sphere and I am considering its points, lines, surfaces, solids and higher dimensional analogues.
Kiara Lindsay is a poet. She completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Melbourne in 2017. Alongside Bridget Gilmartin, she co-edits Inhabit Journal and hosts a reading series called Evening Swim. In 2018, Kiara was the recipient of the H.B. Higgins Poetry Scholarship. She is a current EWF Writer in Residence at the Melbourne Recital Centre.