by Brian Raiter
An alloy kept unearthly cold here lies.
Technicians and researchers crowd around
To watch, examine, measure, and propound
Hypotheses to test, and then revise.
Then test again. Their calm facade belies
The fevered hope with which their dreams resound:
To be the first its workings to expound --
A feat that's worth at least a Nobel Prize.
And deep within the subatomic space,
The crystal's interstices form the basis
In which electrons race, with steady pace --
Each marking out the path the next one chases --
To trace forever, with supernal grace,
A perfect place kept perfectly in stasis.
