What are the odds?
So said the gods
From the first living cell
Everything had to go well
Not one link in your ancestral chain broken could be
None could have died prematurely
Each individual had to meet the right mate
How could this be left up to fate?
Ancestors, you had quite a few
Each generation they double it's true
For you to be you, in each mating, only one in six trillion sperm
For over one hundred and fifty thousand generations firm
Was right for only one in one hundred thousand eggs
The odds of this happening the question begs
What are the odds of you being born?
From an impossibility a certainty torn
The number of atoms in the known universe
Is ten to the eightieth power no worse
If every atom was a universe unto itself
Drawing the right atom out of this, would be easier than being yourself
For this to happen for every generation
Is a number so great it precludes contemplation
It's ten to the two million six hundred and eighty five thousandth power
And this does not cover non human links back to the first hour
You're a probability of zero yet you're here
Don't you find this a bit queer?
A probability of zero and of one, how can that be?
If energy continues eternally
Then in time's infinity
All things are not only possible but a certainty
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Author:
sorenbarrett (
Online) - Published: April 8th, 2022 05:38
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 5
Online)
Comments2
Wow! and again Wow! Excellent writing.
Thanks again dusk for your generous comment.
You have given me the ultimate tutorial in reproduction, genetics and physics in one glorious poem. My mind is expanded to the millionth degree. Thank you dear poet, for the expanse of this poem, and for the depth it reaches.
Bella you are too generous but your review and kind words are truly welcome. Thank you so much.
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