The electrons

With their round dance the electrons spin

chrysalises of that which abides,

the inmost cocoons

which do not open of their own accord

but are of that which abides.

There it is not a matter of hatching out.

There it is a matter of tending and protecting

the metamorphoses of the inmost

deeper-down swaying,

the innermost playing of women in dance.

-- Harry Martinson

The inner light

In the inmost of the smallest of all spaces

runs a mute and constant play of color, inaccessible to eyes.

It is the light shut in that once in the moment of creation

was born inward and abode there, going on,

once it had broken up into smallest of spectra

in keeping with prismatic law

at frequencies that by the sighted would be called colors

if they encountered eyes able to see.

It moved in periods

unimaginably small for time and space

but still with time and space enough for the least of the small.

In fact it found it had ample room and time.

It moved in cycles of nanoseconds and microspaces

from white light and the colors of the spectrum and back to white light.

A kind of breathing for light.

The photons breathed and pulsated with one another,

alternating signs and levels.

So the light kept going in spectral balance

from dense light to split

and back to dense light and split,

in spectral cycles infinitely repeated.

It was like a play of fans,

in keeping with the same law that holds for rainbows,

but with spread and folded fans

alternating with one another

in keeping with the law of light inscribed in them.

It was the light when it dances enclosed

when it is not traveling abroad and seen.

It belongs to the nature of light

that it can be shut in

and still not die out in its movement

that it preserves itself thus in the darkness

as thought, intent and aptitude,

that it remembers its changes

and performs its dance, its interplay.

With this art the light keeps together

the innumerable swarms of matter

and sings with light's spectral wings

the endless song in honor of the fullness of the world.

-- Harry Martinson

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time,

Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection,

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

-- Max Ehrmann