in-fin-it-ee

Rebecca Quin

Infinity (in-fin-it-ee)

n. never contained, ever expanding by one
diminishing but never gone,  like grief.

n. mathematical term, symbol ∞ : tucked neatly but unresolved, proof
of greatness not understood. synonyms: eternity, forever, innumerable
beyond grasping, intangible,  like love.

adj.‍ ‍an infinite progression — ad infinitum
‍ ‍the linear stretch anchored in alpha that yearns for omega

adj. an attribute of God.

The Science

The concept of infinity has tantalised the human mind. Attempts in the mathematical, physical and philosophical spheres struggle to understand or define it.  The use of both the symbol ∞ and the word infinity tend to be understood by many as a number too large to count, with the concept of infinitesimals (quantities that are infinitesimally small) being a quirky afterthought.

There is ongoing contention in the mathematical camp about the very idea of infinity in a finite world. The finitist position, for example, holds that only finite

mathematical objects can exist and rejects the idea of actual infinity e.g. infinite decimals. My poem attempts a tongue in cheek illustration of the difficulty of trying to define infinity, using a ‘dictionary’ format. It merges scientific concepts with our actual human experience. This in turn affords us a deeper grasp of the term, reveals our organic longing to move beyond the confines of our understanding.

The Poet

Rebecca Quinn has worked as a GP in London for 17 years. She has had poems published in the BJGP Life and has more latterly enjoyed being part of the Creative Clinic community,  a virtual space that encourages doctors and students to flourish through the arts.

Next poem: Infinity in the Robot’s Hands by Sanjeev Mane