THE CHEMICAL FORMULA FOR SHADOWS

Take one physical light source — the sun
or a hundred-watt screwcap bulb —
and obstruct with carbon forms.


Remember one side must be all oxygen,
the other a vacuum. Nothing escapes
the force of the shadow. It draws in


organic matter and kitchen utensils the same.
Keep away from naked flame
and metals prone to oxidation.


Shadows are volatile substances
and fusion occurs where they cross —
the shadows grow heavy where they explode;


so heavy they stain where they fall.
It seems impossible to lift their shapes.
Remember one side must be all oxygen