so icily cold it will burn off your skin
CO^2 bubbles over from beaker to tin
it skips a phase, a miracle of matter
one moment solid, one moment the latter

i wish i could take off the gloves that protect
run my fingers over this offbeat object
but i must stand aside as the gas seeps out
subliming my liquid, it fills me with doubt

i will never quite understand science eight
when i took it last i’d too much on my plate
now it is beautiful in this novel light
depose and sublime, our matter takes flight