Seeing the Cosmos in a Grain of Sand

Abstract

In this poetic evocation, the author explores aspects of science, art and consciousness. Focusing on recent discoveries in the micro-cosmos, he argues that holons of understanding and esemplastic metaphors are sources of spirituality consistent with the findings of contemporary science. The non-linear structure, metaphorical language and emotional chiaroscuro of the work together with frequent allusions to the limits of human consciousness provide an alternative to the Cartesian detachment, instrumental reason,
Greco-Latin diction and anthropocentric hubris that characterise many of the orthodox modes of apprehension and discourse in the secular academy. The poem is adapted from the first part of the author’s inaugural lecture as Honorary Professor of Poetry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown.