one would have thought that 1 + 1
would have had more value as 2.
as the single and solitary nature of 1
was multiplied by itself.
the problem was that I divided myself
becoming a fraction of who I was.
to fill the voids and the places in you
that will probably never be whole.
by nature the act of taking
makes less of what it takes.
leaving less than the original sum
a negative number marked in red.
I thought by adding to the fragments of you
the halves, the quarters, and thirds.
that I could calculate an equation
that would result in the numbers adding up.
but sitting with paper and pencil
my eraser worn down to a nub.
I am scratching out numbers +, -, divide
but the math is never quite right.
%’s and decimals, fractions, fragments
the quotient fails to become a whole.
1 + 1 = 2, but 1 x 1 is still 1.
so 2 – 1 again became
simply 1 and 1.
1 more whole than the other
1 always seeking another 1.
So true...sometimes equations don't add up. Sometimes one plus one remains one. And fragments never compute. Sometimes math, when it comes to one, just doesn't make sense!!
ReplyDeletethe problem was that I divided myself
ReplyDeletebecoming a fraction of who I was.
to fill the voids and the places in you
that will probably never be whole.
that is a whole story right there in those two lines...and the close as well...one trying to find another to feel whole...hard numbers that, you know....
oh... interesting poem...numbers also become illogical sometimes...when it comes to matters entrusted with the heart...
ReplyDelete-HA
So much to your words here, Andrea. I really like how you pointed out the 1+1=2 and 1x1=1... and (because I can relate):
ReplyDeletethe problem was that I divided myself
becoming a fraction of who I was.
to fill the voids and the places in you
that will probably never be whole.
I wish all math was this poetic! LOVE this!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful...trying to divide oneself leaves a void. Such a creative write!
ReplyDeletewhat a strong poem of loss 2-1=1... and how to multiply? yes a difficult calculation indeed. Wonderful poem
ReplyDeleteA very apt summing up of many relationships - so painful. Super well described. Thanks. k.
ReplyDeletethe problem was... some others already mentioned that part as well...stuck out to me too... i think it's perfect when 1 plus 1 makes 1 - that's the magic in math - and it never fits quite right..
ReplyDeleteAndrea, this is excellent! i feel you here truly... or maybe, you don't just wrote a story of you but a story of us...& the many of us who have been through such pain...this is a favorite today & keep telling it like it is... smiles...
ReplyDeleteso true, Andrea. an interesting approach on a relationship... definitely got me thinking.
ReplyDeletemaybe the numbers never add up?
~miriam
As Brian and Laurie quote those lines really capture a huge amount - great writing.
ReplyDeleteWow! Incredible metaphors.
ReplyDeleteEspecially liked:
I thought by adding to the fragments of you
the halves, the quarters, and thirds.
that I could calculate an equation
One is the loneliest number, the song says, and you show that though that may be so, it often has more value. At least that's how these functions and numbers added up to me. And I agree! We can go through a lot before learning that.
ReplyDelete