Mapping the Genome
In this poem the narrator describes the scientific process for mapping the genome. He compares to process of mapping DNA to driving down a highway. In the first three stanzas, Symmons creates the highway metaphor, then elaborates, saying that you would expect the highway of DNA mapping to be curvy and interesting, but it is like driving in a flat desert. In the next three stanzas he explains that though there a a few interruptions in the desert like sandstorms or motels, it's mostly barren. In the final four stanzas, he explains that somewhere out there is the interesting DNA information, but the desert is like the "dead code" in our genes. If someone is persistent, they can get to the interesting mysteries.
Nativity Scene in Bullet-Time
This poem is written entirely in couplets that have slant rhyme at the end of them. It is about a New Years party at the moment of midnight. In the opening of the poem, Symmons compares the moment of midnight to the meeting of past and future. He goes on to explain how it feel like this moment should be more important, like time should freeze for a moment allowing him to walk about the room with his girlfriend or lover. He describes hypothetical scenarios for things they could do in this moment of frozen time before time inevitably restarts and they meet in a kiss.
