Osculations
The Kiss, 1901–4, Auguste Rodin
Photo: Tate (CC BC-BY-ND 4.0 DEED)
What are “Osculations”?
The text of EPOCH incorporates a large number of allusions to books, poems, songs, academic papers, paintings, films, and other works. These are not merely passing linguistic echoes; in most cases they connect with the point made or the topic addressed. As a whole they are also an important thematic element of the book, and are called “osculations,” as explained below.
So as not to distract from reading, sources for the osculations are provided in the book as text-referenced end notes. That configuration is not ideal for those who wish to combine reading with exploring the references, so a phone-friendly PDF version is available as a service to readers.
A diagram of a geometric osculation; curve C not only touches the circle at point P but also matches its curvature.
What are “Osculations”?
Aither explains.
As when two curves that intersect, then linger for a spell,
with intimacy greater than a tangent’s fleeting touch,
their slopes of slopes of slopes aligned, a segment superposed;
just so, the words our forebears wrought have kissed my mind times three,
and I cannot relax or rest until the deed is shared.
Thus in this work, to prove my points, I grasp you in my arms
and whisper words reprised, renewed; they kiss your mind times three.
Now you can call this what you will: allusion, echo, quote,
pastiche, citation, intertext, composite artistry,
appropriation, reference, a patchwork, cento, found –
but I, by “osculations,” mean to pass a kiss around.
