In quantum physics
A wave is just a blip
Until we observe it
And then the states flip.
The waves collapse
The quantum state is sound
Existence is confirmed
By a heartbeat that is bound.
We measure our lives
By the passing of days
We live in cloistered space
Until the reckoning belays
Time, however, doesn’t care
It creeps without relent
We observe the days by counting
All the moments we have spent
Eventually we have to cede
The past catches up to today
The quiet we once enjoyed
Is swallowed by growing dismay.
I don’t fear death
But I surely fear the dying.
It’s not the destination
But it’s our destiny defying.
The finality doesn’t scare me.
But the process sure does
Once we quantify the process
We can’t escape the buzz
So I can’t help but wonder
What if time stood still
Would we just stop aging
While time ticks on until
The next increment arrives
We’re present but not aware
That we’re only here because
Sanity can no longer bear
We only age because we measure
Counted by quantum decay
We’re slaves to predestination
A blip in the cosmic array
By simply bearing witness
We inherit future strife
And grieve before we realize
This unmeasured life.
Mannino Acid 