One of my favourite strategies to use when writing poems is to try to incorporate mathematics terms, formulas, and theories into the story, image, or moment I'm presenting in my poem. This comes from a deep love for mathematics and calculations, and I am not the only poet who expresses her or his love or fascination for math in this way. Take this poem
"Burial" by Robert McAlmon for example where he uses mathematical principles to explore his understanding of life and death:
Burial
by Robert McAlmon, 1895 - 1956
Geometry is a perfect religion,
Axiom after axiom:
One proves a way into infinity
And logic makes obeisance at command.
Outside of the triangle, cubes, and polystructures
There is restless pummeling, pounding and taunting.
The end is diffused into channels
Every step into eternity—and steps are endless.
There's even an entire movement of poetry devoted to applying mathematical principles to poetry in order to explore the potential of poetry within specific restraints and formulas: OULIPO. For example, you might create a new poem by applying n+7 (i.e. replacing every noun in the poem with the noun that comes seven entries after it in the dictionary).
In my own attempts to connect math and poetry, I incorporated poetry into my grade 7 teaching practicum by asking students to create concrete poetry (where the image/placement of the words is as essential to the meaning of the poem as the words themselves) that demonstrates knowledge of translations, reflections, and rotations. Here's an example of one student's work (that I thought showed nice understanding of the concept):
Lastly, I think Slate has a very good idea right here. I am completely embracing this next April.
