Measured Flow – Sally Zakariya

Scientists reveal the physics of Jackson Pollack’s
painting technique – Brown University, 10/30/19

Drizzling honey on my breakfast toast
I watch it pool in spiral like a snake.
Coiling instability scientists call it.
 
So, what did Jackson Pollack know
of fluid dynamics when he poured paint
on canvas to make art?
 
Did he experiment or did he just intuit
the way thick liquids tend to curl
when poured from up above?
 
You might think any kid could do it,
but no – no random swirls in Pollack’s
art, no mere splatters, drips, or drabs.
 
It’s measured flow, say physicists
who tried it. Instinct or intellect, Pollack
harnessed science for his art.
 
Toast in hand, I ponder how to harness
science for my poems, to taste creation
in the discipline and skill.

Copyright 2020 Sally Zakariya 
 
 
(Heron Clan Poetry Anthology VII, 2020)

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