You are a value
that never changes,
not only, as Joni sang,
constant in the darkness.
You’re a rational
number to my irrational,
I am no simple fraction,
more cardinal than ordinal.
We are equal
in our emotional equation,
our problems solved
by a mutual algorithm,
an expression of our union,
forever constant.
Kim M. Russell, 22nd July 2026
It’s Wednesday and time for counting, measuring, and figuring with Susan over at What’s Going On? where our challenge is to use mathematical terms and images to poeticize an aspect of life or experience.
I enjoyed reading the example poems from Nikki Grimes, William Blake, Mary Cornish and Carl Sandburg.
writing in north norfolk 
A mathematical equation that sounds wonderful! Math (and lasting love) has always eluded me.
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Thank you, Sherry.
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“You are a value
that never changes . . . ”
How wonderful a constant, a lucky one, a hard/happily won one. Remember Juliet’s “Swear not by the inconstant moon . . . ” I like your bringing in mutuality. Thank you!
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Thank you, Susan, for your lovely comment.
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Kim, this is brilliant. So very cleverly written. The second verse is my favorite. I look forward to your poems each week.
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Thank you so much, Mary.
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Beautiful and I absolutely love:”We are equalin our emotional equation,our problems solvedby a mutual algorithm,
an expression of our union,forever constant.”
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Thank you so much, Marja.
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There is much comfort to be found in the constant – it feels safe – let’s hope we all have little moments like that – Jae
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Yes, we all need a constant.
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Absolutely brilliant Kim. Definitely “a mutual algorithm” stops crashes. Such a shiny poem!
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Thank you very much, Sumana!
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A Constant is a beautiful thing to have. Lovely poem, Kim!
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Thank you, Sara!
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