Quirks of mathematics

Draw three lines
Which meet each other
Form a triangle
Nothing could be stabler

That's the laws
Of mathematics at work
Bend those laws
And you create a quirk

The Penrose triangle
When used this way
Creates a paradox
Of bend and sway

Shows how truth
Could be used quite strangely
Examine it further
Truth should develop clearly

Keep an eye out
For strange appearances
Don't let impressions
Become your hindrances

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This amazing diagram by M C Esher "Waterfall" was created in 1961.  I first saw it on the wall of my favourite maths teachers form room; it grabbed my attention and became formational in my love of mathematics.  We now own a print and I look at it all the time.  So when real toads challenged us to write an Ekphrasis (a graphic, often dramatic, description of a visual work of art) I knew exactly where I'd start.  I'm sure some further poems on more of Eshers work well emerge over the next few days, watch this space.