Evie Calvillo
3-body problem
the [problem]is [predicting]
the motions of 3 bodies
(such as stars or planets)
mutually attracted
by gravity
given their initial
positions and velocities
– Montgomery
oOo
we are 3 bodies
in a single system
not planets
not stars
not satellites
only mother
& child
& child
O
o
o
3 interacting bodies
3 different forces
that push & pull
to give
& to take
& to take
liquid gold
sunlight’s reflection
moonlight milk
I observe
with an astronomer’s wonder
without an astronomer’s patience
I accumulate data
I attempt to predict
the unpredictable
chaotic behavior
so that I am prepared
to nurture and slumber
at the appropriate apsides[1]
o
O
o
perihelion – when the earth is nearest to the sun
perigee – when the moon is nearest to the earth
perima – when my two moons are nearest to me
if they approach
the perima at the same time
I could serve them simultaneously
but they have different masses
different forces
even I am no constant
findings:
the motion of 3 bodies
is generally
non-repeating
due to chaotic dynamics
a general solution
to the problem
is essentially impossible
I can only prepare
based on estimates
previous behaviors
a gut feeling
I am only helpful
when they are near
they are never near
the same times
o O
o
I turn to one
in anticipation
only to neglect
the other’s
approach
& departure
O o
o
I turn to the other
to compensate
for the neglect
only to neglect
the other’s
approach
& departure
I wish there was some way
to warn me
but their screams are silent
in the void
aphelion – when the earth is farthest from the sun
apogee – when the moon is farthest from the earth
apoma – when my two moons are farthest from me
o
o O
the “restricted” 3-body problem
can be solved
when one body is so negligible
in mass that it [disappears]
into the equation
none of these bodies
are negligible…
the sole purpose
of my existence
is to keep them
from being negligible
to keep them
from disappearing
into the equation
they must feed at the perima
they must sleep at the apoma
if one or both
constantly approach
the perima:
the take
& the take…
the primary body nurtures
during both apsides
o
the primary body does not
slumber at the appropriate
o
apsides the primary body
does not slumber
O
[1] apsis: the point in an astronomical orbit at which the distance of the body from the center of attraction is either greatest or least
Evie Calvillo writes dark fantasy, horrific non-fiction, and monstrous verse, forthcoming and/or archived by Nightmare Magazine, Zyzzyva, and Club Chicxulub. A force of nature on stage, she hosts literary variety shows and has been a featured performer at radical local and virtual events across the country. Connect with her @eviecalvillo