The Upwards Curve

Fiona Theokritoff

wettable tumbler
when the low table trembles
meniscus quivers

The Science

This haiku is inspired by the surface tension of water. Surface tension is a combination of the adhesive and cohesive properties of water: adhesion causes water molecules to climb up the sides of a glass, and then cohesion 'pulls' the rest of the water molecules inwards across the surface. This attraction is down to the hydrogen bonds in each water molecule and has the effect of making a skin-like barrier on which small objects or insects like pond skaters can float without breaking the surface tension. 

A meniscus appears as a curved surface at the top of a liquid. It arises due to the combination of surface tension and the adhesion between the liquid and its container. When the liquid molecules are more attracted to the container than to each other, the meniscus curves upwards. This is the case for water in a glass.  

The Poet

Fiona Theokritoff is a poet and creative writing tutor with a background in Environmental Science. Her work often explores scientific ideas. Her pamphlet New Uses for a Wand was published by Five Leaves in 2024.

Next poem: Tidal Forces by Noah Bice