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I ask: What is the form

Of the principal forces, the atoms of atoms,

The dark energy pushing the galaxies?

How does the smell of baklava

Fix in my brain?

Numbers and names I will give to these things:

Gravity, chromosomes,

Seconds, and quarks. Photosynthesis,

Synapses, covalent bonds. Mitochondria, quanta,

And thermodynamics. Electricity, ions.

The codons, osmosis, cortex, and catalysis.

Is a thing known if it cannot be named?

There, on my terrace,

Between those two stones—

Flower whose petals are shapeless

And odorless, empty of color—

Nameless though each atom is trapped.