Biology poetry pt.2
Loving you was breathing
But the breaths disappearing
Before it filled my lungs
-Rupi Kaur
*real lungs*
This short poem really got me thinking about how deeply intertwined our emotions are with our biology. When I read "Loving you was breathing / But the breaths disappearing / Before it filled my lungs," it’s not just a beautiful metaphor; it actually resonates with the very core of our existence. Our lungs are literally lifelines, constantly working to keep us going, and the act of breathing is so fundamental that to lose it, even metaphorically, feels like losing everything. It makes me wonder about the broader concept of a "biological poem." It's not just about writing a poem about biology, like describing photosynthesis or the complexity of an ecosystem. It's often about exploring how biological processes, like the beating of a heart, the intricate dance of cells, or the simple act of breathing, become powerful symbols for human experience. Think about how many poems talk about a "broken heart" – while it’s not literally broken, the pain is undeniably real and often feels physical, tied to our biological responses to emotional distress. This poem uses "lungs" in a similar way, making a very personal feeling universal through a biological lens. For anyone like me who loves "love writing," it's fascinating to see how poets can distill such complex emotions into something so raw and relatable, often by anchoring them in our physical reality. The feeling of love, that rush, that dependency – it can truly feel as essential as the air we breathe. And then, the pain of "disappearing breaths," of love fading or being lost, is equally visceral. It taps into that universal human experience of vulnerability and connection. In a way, this poem also touches upon the idea of "letting go is an art." When something vital feels like it's slipping away, whether it's a relationship or a dream, the struggle to reconcile that loss with our continued existence is profound. Our bodies are designed for survival, for holding on, yet sometimes, the greatest strength is found in releasing what no longer serves us, even if it feels like giving up a part of ourselves, like a breath we desperately need. It's a biological paradox of adaptation and resilience. Even seemingly complex biological topics, like the intricate workings of an ecosystem or the incredible process of photosynthesis, can inspire poetic reflection. While this poem doesn't delve into the specifics of "light-dependent and light-independent reactions," it reminds us that all life, from the smallest plant cell creating energy to the largest animal breathing, is connected through these fundamental biological cycles. Our very breath relies on the oxygen produced by plants through photosynthesis, creating an invisible, poetic link between us and the natural world. Decomposers, too, play a vital "role" in breaking down complex organic substances, returning nutrients to the earth – a cycle of decay and renewal that is itself a profound metaphor for life, death, and transformation, often explored in poetry. So, when we write about love, loss, or any human emotion, we're often, implicitly, writing a biological poem. We're exploring the impact of these experiences on our biological selves—our racing hearts, our tears, our very breath. It's a beautiful intersection where science meets soul, proving that biology isn't just textbooks and labs, but the very fabric of our lived, felt, passionate existence. This poem, in its few lines, perfectly captures that profound connection.




































































































Those are real😰