Cartesian Coordinates
By Francis J. Kelly

Rene Descartes, who taught the world so well
How hard it is to doubt the truth of all,
Once  glimpsed strange squares in space, as he would tell,
While he was resting by a fire in hall.
These squares then showed themselves before his eyes
As he on his eyelids did gently press.
He marveled at this vision in surprise;
But now we know he saw the shapes, no less,
Of mental pathways that our brain can use
To organize response, so we can see.
These facts were taught by good Jerome Lejeune,
Whose grand genetic work pierced mystery.
For these two Catholic men, Oh, let us pray.
An Ave for Jerome and for Rene.

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