The mystery of communication leads to the phenomena of interpretation of the reader. In both science and poetry, there are interactions between words and ideas that give both the writer and reader intellectual freedom. The multifaceted meanings of words and phrases allocate a small or large space of personal interpretation. This gap can be intentional or it may be unintentional, either way it is almost inviolable. Yet, with these didactic thoughts, poetry evokes "parallel plays of feelings, thoughts interest" between the reader and the poet (Holub 56). The actual and potential readership triggers the response in the reader. The goal of a certain 'truth' is apparent in both science and poetry, yet the truth the reader interprets will always vary.
One of the poems by Holub that I enjoyed the most is "Teaching About Diseases." Angelman Syndrome is a neuro-genetic disorder that causes severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. It often causes seizures and sleep disturbances. This disorder is caused by deletion in chromosome 15, and it is called "Puppet Disease" because children with this disorder usually have a happier demeanor. Holub, does a play on words throughout the poem. The first stanza he states that it is "thread like," as if it was a physical puppet. He also describes the puppet to have mournful fur coats and huge ears. I am curious about who is to puppet master? Science or God?
Taylor, I believe your example here is a prime indicator of the combination of science and magic in poetry. While the poem deals with neuroscience, disease, and other health related issues, the indication of the "puppet" that is utilized as you mentioned is an example of magic. I believe the puppet disease in this case can be physical or mental, which is true about magic. When something appears to be a physical image, it may in fact simply be an illusion. I really enjoy the combination of science and magic in the use of poetry.
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