Fibonacci Sequence

If like most of us, you consider the Fibonacci sequence a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers, you are right. An example of a Fibonacci sequence: the numbers 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …

The Fibonacci sequence can be used to create poetry. Gregory K. Pincus, an author who will join me for a Florida Writer Association Youth Workshop in October at the Florida Writer Conference, wrote a book titled The 14 Fibs of Gregory K. The book mixes fibs, a math-loving family, friends, and the Fibonacci sequence.

I’m a math slug, so I’ve only written one Fibonacci sequence poem in my life. The key to writing a Fibonacci (Fib) sequence poem is to remember that the total number of syllables in each line must equal the total number of syllables in the preceding two lines. My sample Fibonacci poem from my soon-to-be published play Ain’t It a Shame based on my book of poetry title Backpack Blues: Ignite the Fire Within appears below:

MARION PISANO

Pain

Slash

Abuse

Rejection

I inflict each wound

A bracelet of tears mars my wrist

Mother, with each slit I try to steal you from cancer.

Recently, I’ve decided to grow bonsai trees. Imagine my surprise when I learned  that this Fibonacci sequence is important to what is known as the golden rule for proportion, and is a good basis for composing a bonsai. Wow! Math knowledge sure can come in handy in life.