Blackbirdan online journal of literature and the artsSpring 2012 v11n1
poetryfictionnonfictiongalleryfeaturesbrowse
print version
T.R. HUMMER

Hund’s Rule
     Each orbital in a subshell must contain an electron before a second electron can be added.
          —Friedrich Hund

If there is not one present already, none may enter.
     Where three are gathered, let it be known that nothing exists.
The children cannot be left alone, nor can their great-grandfather.

Twins, the boys would not assay the dark hall if they were not together.
     The old man, they remember, sat in his office honing his lists.
If there is not one present already, none may enter.

Years he plotted metaphorical murder, pillage, and empire.
     Now he rocks in the parlor, drooling, waiting to be kissed.
The children cannot be left alone, nor can their great-grandfather,

Nor can trusties on a chain gang, kleptomaniacs, or houseguests. Either
     You may determine speed or position; both, never. Case dismissed.
If there is not one present already, none may enter,

But neither may anyone leave, whether singly or together.
     Stars refer to their heaven, a swarm of guardian asterisks.
The children cannot be left alone, nor can their great-grandfather.

Half-dead, he will not die; half-grown, they are smaller and meaner.
     Nonexistent gods consider this paradox, thoroughly unimpressed.
The children cannot be left alone, nor can their great-grandfather:
     If there is not one present already, none may enter.    


return to top