Touching Cobalt
Janet Kuypers
from the “ Periodic Table of Poetry” series (#027)
We toasted our anniversary
with Cobalt blue champagne glasses
after we looked over the Cobalt
and tungsten wedding bands.
Seems fitting,
since I am so attracted to you,
that we’re drawn to Cobalt,
one of the most magnetic elements.
I heard a physicist explain
that when two solid objects
are pressed together
they never actually touch.
Now, I can’t imagine it,
but maybe,
because electrons repel
all objects remain one molecule apart.
That must be why,
when we embrace
I want to hold you
tighter and tighter —
because I want to defy
the laws of physics
and feel that contact with you
as long as I possibly can.
Because right now
I don’t care about electrons,
keeping us one molecule apart.
Because…
When it comes to Cobalt,
it’s 27 protons and 32 neutrons
are would tightly together
with a strong nuclear force…
Its nucleus’ binding energy
is so strong,
that it only breaks apart
once it is broken down
into its isotopes.
It won’t break apart
in it’s pure form.
Kind of like us,
I suppose,
how we seem to be
so bound by physics.
Physicists say
that solid objects
can never actually touch.
And I’m sorry,
but when it comes to us,
that just can’t be.
Because I want to experience you
with all of my senses.
I want our molecules to intermingle.
I want us to actually touch.