The Lithic Dare (Poem)

Scientists discover the shape of a lithium atom:

In the absence of corrosion, the crystalline structure

Is that of a rhombic duodecahedron.

The die used in Dungeons and Dragons, also a particular 12-sided throw.

So perhaps the universe does provide a gamble.

Should I chance this?

Or will I find that rather than the orderly form,

I’ve thrown instead metallic bones with spiky filaments

That ultimately produce an explosion.

No good result there.

I am no scientist, merely a wordsmith.

I’d better not tinker with that sort of risk.

Words alone can be tricky enough,

Sometimes becoming spark to a fire that burns uncontrolled.

Then I stand bewildered

In the midst of an unintentional conflagration.