A Fibonacci Ode to This Cold L.A. Day

Summary

E. Katherine Kottaras shares a Fibonacci poem inspired by a cold and rainy week in L.A., her daughter's health, and the use of "Seed Words," reflecting on nature, personal experiences, and the interplay of mathematics and poetry.

Abstract

The article presents a unique poem by E. Katherine Kottaras, which is structured around the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical pattern found in nature. The poem, titled "A Fibonacci Ode to This Cold L.A. Day," was composed using "Seed Words" and captures the essence of a chilly and wet week in Los Angeles, the author's time spent with her recovering daughter, and the beauty of the natural world. Kottaras, who holds degrees in English and Kinesiology, blends her contemplative writing with her passion for holistic health and inclusivity. The piece is a celebration of life's brief seasons and the special moments they bring, as well as a testament to the author's appreciation for her daughter's well-being and the environment around her.

Opinions

The author expresses a sense of wonder and appreciation for the automatic genesis of sweet budding blooms and the freshness of the last of winter's angled light and softly plumed clouds.
Kottaras values the Fibonacci sequence as a source of inspiration for poetry, acknowledging its presence in various natural forms.
The author's use of "Seed Words" suggests a belief in the power of specific prompts to spark creativity and guide the writing process.
There is a personal connection to the poem, as the author's experiences with her daughter and the weather in L.A. influenced its creation.
Kottaras' background in holistic wellness and her identity as a queer immigrant's daughter inform her inclusive approach to expression and health equity.
The author encourages readers to engage with her work on various social media platforms and to support writers through Medium membership.

A poem formed in the mathematical sequence

camellia. photo by writer.

the land, heavy, cold, and wet, with automatic genesis of sweet budding blooms —

the sky, wind swept and fresh with the last of winter’s angled light and softly plumed clouds —

each foot touching stone and dirt she walks barefooted — dances with headphones under trees —

my eyes wonder at her spring, her age and wisdom — how special is this brief season —

Bonnie J Davies offers several unusual poetic forms to experiment with, including Fibs or Fibonacci Poems, which use “a mathematic pattern derived from the Fibonacci Sequence which was developed by the mathematician Leonardo Bonacci in the 1200s CE. The sequence [1–1–2–3–5–8] is found throughout nature in shells, leaves, flowers, and even the human face.”

I started this poem knowing that I wanted to use as many of the Seed Words as I could [automatic. camper. special. genesis. heavy. land. yacht].

But I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to write about.

It’s been a wonderfully cold and rainy (at least for L.A.) week, and I’ve also been able to spend time with my daughter, who thankfully is feeling better. Then I read about the Fibs form — and so, it came together here.

Thank you for reading. ❤

E. Katherine Kottaras holds an M.A. in English and an M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus on Integrative Wellness, and she is a contemplative writer and holistic teacher, having worked at the middle, high school, and community college levels for over two decades. She is a yoga teacher, personal trainer, and health coach while also living with invisible illnesses and neurodivergence, and as such, she is passionate about mindfulness, bodily self-determination, and health equity. As the queer daughter of an immigrant, Katherine believes that holistic and inclusive approaches to expression, healing, and growth should be accessible to all.

A Fibonacci Ode to This Cold L.A. Day

A poem formed in the mathematical sequence

Writing Prompt: Seed Words #3

Weekly offerings of words to get you writing: CARS