1.
The standard model of particle physics contains four fundamental forces.
The strong nuclear force
explains how we stay whole.
The weak nuclear force
dictates the outcome of our decay.
Gravitational force
attracts us to each other.
Electromagnetic force
pushes us apart.
2.
The standard model does not explain
the force of gravity
why I can’t stop my hand
falling on my wife’s grey hair.
The standard model does not explain
the expansion of the universe
how we are all separating
at an increasing rate.
The standard model does not contain
dark matter particles
what else would have pulled
the light from my father’s eyes?
The standard model contains
three generations of quarks and leptons
but no unborn child
though I know mine briefly lived.
The standard model does not explain
the emptiness of my son’s bedroom
or the way the lawn grows
now he’s not here to mow.
The standard model does not explain
how my other child has changed
or how she remains the same white-haired boy
who always arrives late.
The standard model does not reflect
the photograph albums on my shelves
there are no equations for stories
calculated by images.
The standard model imagines
three colours and three anti-colours
but not the greying of my hair
and my need to dye it regularly.
The standard model ignores
a crying baby’s needs
and the inconstant value of time
in my wife’s arms.