The Sounds of Science

by John Reinhart

men in lab coats

ponder the differences

between three blind mice

immunodeficient

infected

dying

grad students

in muck boots

search for specimens

among the reeds and mud –

alive

university room 214

explodes –

miscalculated chemistry smells;

evacuation, reprimands,

no injuries

dissect a cow’s eyeball

as two students gag –

it looks alive,

one says too enthusiastically

before retrieving the mop

a bowling ball falls

from the roof

alongside a tennis ball

to prove

gravity does not discriminate –

students rejoice to find

one does not bounce

kindergartners

walk around the block

to marvel at spring’s

blossoming bounty,

squirrels, a broken branch,

and mud