Reviewed on 7/20/2025
★★★★☆
Allison Swenson’s “Elementary Magic” paints the childlike curiosity for scientific discoveries. The first lines use a lighthearted tone: “I remember first hearing rumors/ of the atom.” These cold and abstract ideas do not deter, but attract children with their mystical magic. “Rumor” highlights the liveliness and intimacy of science. Swenson also imagines a child’s vision (“atomic LEGOs”) to describe their understanding of lifeless objects. With these small discoveries, she recounts, we weave together a profound connection with nature and the passion for life: “We pulled threads from her/ spools of knowledge,/ … tried to stitch together/ the universe.” We piece the world with colorful collages. She learns that “we are not so different/ from the grass or rocks.” Swenson shows our attachment to the environment; science teaches us to love.
The purity of the poem’s voice urges readers to reminisce about their own childhood innocence. The ending lines especially add a layer of nostalgia: “dream we did/ … as limitless and star-studded/ as our imaginations.” The desire to explore cosmic wonders will forever live in our minds. At the same time, these bittersweet memories remind us of what we’ve lost as we enter adulthood. “Elementary Magic” serves as a reminder of our precious innocence and encourages us to reclaim and reconnect with our childhood hearts.
Full Poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/1639268/elementary-magic#tab-author
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