A quiet lab

A quiet lab 

in a quiet lab 

men in white coats 

discovered how 

to split the atom 

a tiny sun 

born in our hands 

promising warmth 

and light 

to every darkened corner 

yet in the same breath 

this new dawn 

carries the shadow 

of an ending 

for what is progress 

but a double-edged sword 

cutting through peace 

and warfare alike 

in the hum of machines 

and scribbled notes 

we sought to master 

the invisible world 

but with each leap 

came the shattering 

of innocence 

and the paradox of creation 

what once was whole 

now lies divided 

a choice between 

a hopeful sun 

or a blistering star 

and so we stand 

at the brink 

of our own brilliance 

and destruction 

wondering if we will 

ever learn 

to wield our light 

without shadow 

and find a way 

to build 

a future 

where knowledge 

is not a weapon 

but a balm for all 

our wounds

In the silent corners of a laboratory, where men in white coats work diligently, a monumental discovery was made—the splitting of the atom. This seemingly small event heralded the birth of a tiny sun within our grasp, promising warmth and light to every darkened corner of our existence. The poem captures this momentous achievement and the inherent contradictions that accompany it.

The act of splitting the atom is more than a scientific breakthrough; it symbolises the duality of progress. On one hand, it brings the dawn of new possibilities, a beacon of hope and advancement that could illuminate the path forward for humanity. On the other hand, it casts a shadow—an ominous reminder of the potential for destruction that such knowledge wields. The poem deftly explores this tension, illustrating the fine line between innovation and devastation.

With each scientific advance, we inch closer to mastering the unseen forces of the universe. Yet, as the poem suggests, each step forward also brings the loss of innocence and the complex nature of creation. What was once whole is now divided, presenting us with a choice: will we embrace the hopeful sun that brings life, or succumb to the blistering star that could obliterate it?

Standing at this pivotal moment, we face the challenge of our own ingenuity. The poem invites us to consider whether we can harness our capabilities to benefit all, without succumbing to the shadows they cast. It asks if we can learn to wield our newfound light in a way that heals rather than harms.

Ultimately, this poem is a call to reflection. It urges us to envision a future where knowledge serves as a balm, soothing the wounds of humanity rather than exacerbating them. As we continue to navigate the complexities of progress, may we strive to ensure that our pursuits bring more light than darkness to the world.

With love and solidarity, 

Aspen Greenwood