I. (ENTROPY-DRIVEN)
A solid: lethargic at temperatures frigid,
Constrained with each shiver, its structure stands rigid.
(Now welcoming heat as their energies rise,
And they loosen their intermolecular ties.)
A liquid: some wriggling, dynamic divorces
With just enough gusto to overcome forces.
(Additional heat and their motions excite;
With heroic farewells, they swiftly take flight.)
A gas: untold microstates, bouncing, frenetic,
And joyously free with expressions kinetic!
II. (ENTHALPY-DRIVEN)
A gas: who, with others, has brief intersections,
Collides with a “hi,” but then, no connections.
(But soft! Through cooling, some forces distract,
And curious passersby linger, attract!)
A liquid: finds shoulders to settle upon,
Who dabbles in love, yet needs to move on.
(Ever gentler, they relish their newfound ability
To tenderly woo and find comfort, stability.)
A solid: with bonds quite resistant to sever,
Like atoms in diamonds, whose friends are forever.
[Thanks to Hwaen Ch’uqi for helping to catalyze aspects of this poem]
