At the fission reactor

Like a child you have learned to read these moments
the footnotes of life’s thesis.
You have stumbled upon who we are
(and may become)
in the uncertainty of atoms
and the unchanging now.

Now, songs emerge as we pause at the edge;
the birds ascend the thrum of turbines and
cooling waters grasp.

You have learned the fine art
of loving the imperfect,
uncovered the bloom in the heart of agony,
felt the reactor pulse.