(Russell J Turner)
An irrational sonnet is an Oulipo form devised by Jacques Bens, with stanza lengths based on the digits of π. This one takes its cue from both mathematics and the non-creationism of Jainism
A circle curves back to infinity,
yet paradoxically constrained by three
point one four one five nine two six (or so)
The endless wheel rolls round, rolls on and on
For there are bounds to everything we know ‒
the limits of irrationality,
approximate perfectibility ‒
uncertainty above, caprice below
The endless wheel rolls round, rolls on and on
We dance at dawn until the summer’s gone
We read the words and then we turn the page
We feed the fires and dream all winter long
We sing a path through this eternal song
We live, we die, we love, we cry, we age
RJT
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