let fingers trace
the lines of erosion
that write us here,
or here, the genome
the new text of our beginnings
scripted in DNA
chemical language
that says less of genesis
and more of meiosis
how primal threads separate,
split and braid together
in predictable sequences
a cursive spelling us
we are woven here
but where
in this map of nucleotides
is the gene for poetry
the locus of passion
the mutation of hate
or the sequence
of wonder
Susan Daniels Poetry 
Very compelling question indeed, Susan. We are indeed so much more than our genetic codes and mutations. Not just in what we choose to become, but in the very fact of this choice. In the fact of making it. Of composing ourselves, rather than allowing any code — or anyone — to compose us.
George–so very well said! Yes–these are issues of spirit and not biology–thank heaven for that!
beautiful explorations in molecular biology! Are behavior/choices/actuals coded or do they emerge as genes interact with with the environment? can the coded be uncoded and recoded? is there a worrying determinism in gene theory?
Good questions! I believe some behavior/potential can be genetically linked (twin studies, where twins have been separated kind of suggest this, but not enough data yet, really, I do not think, so climbing out on a theoretical limb–please don’t saw it off, lol). There is most definitely a scary determinism in gene theory I dislike intensely–it does not and cannot paint the whole picture of us.
Wonderful !!!
thanks so very much 🙂
If our picture was painted and we had no choice in the determination of who we become…I would have SERIOUS issues with the one doing the determining! I mean, hello?
Yep. Exactly. Just wondering how much of us is DNA and how much is…other.
Can’t argue the science that’s for sure. But will argue the rest all day long. Even with the built-in flaws of our DNA cornerstone…we can still become other than what our genetics may have in mind. Don’t you think? The power of the mind can overcome so much, including, IMHO, some genetic “certainties”.
Hey–you are arguing with someone who is on the same side 🙂
I am saying all genetics can do, really, is determine hair color, eye color, etc. I will believe that until they ID the gene for poetry and the exact sequence of bases for wonder…until then, those things–those things that make us entirely us are things shaped of spirit for me, and not biology.
I like how often “we” comes up in many of your poems.
What you write often has a warm and inviting quality about it as though “we” the writer and the reader are experiencing everything together. I appreciate that warmth.
Jeremy, thank you–I do try to filter the words to a place where what is read is a shared experience–awesome that you pick up on that 🙂
Nicely said
Thank you Dewey!
Okay, brain…activate. Would a programmed love of poetry best a spirit what soars on a flow of words, not because bio-mechanics make it so, but because it can, from illimitable choice?
I am going with you and illimitable choice of the spirit 🙂
great piece with undying questions:)
Thanks, Don.