A poem inspired by @hankschannel talking about the #BigBang 💫posted one year ago today!

One year ago today I wrote this space poem inspired by @hankgreen talking about the moments before the Big Bang. The unintentional singsong way Hank said that up/down side/side bit sounded poetic to me, so I stitched his video and expanded those two lines into a whole rhyming poem about the “time before events.”

This post changed everything for me. It introduced me to a new, wider audience on TiKTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and it marked a shift in the type of stuff I wanted to create and share. I had previously only been posting my music online, but after sharing this poem, I started branching out into more poetry, sketch comedy, thought experiments, curiosity songs/parodies, and all the other things that make up this page today. I love creating on this app, and I feel so lucky to have found my way to each and every person reading this now. Thank you for coming along for the ride!

[Tiewaz]

I hope Hank Green sees this, because I am SURE he would appreciate it.

[Not-Wanted.-.]

Dr. Seuss been real quiet since this came out

[Ejkreader]

The entire poem:
There was no up, there was no down, there was no side to side
There was no light, there was no dark, nor shape of any kind
There were no stars or planet Mars, or protons to collide
There was no up, there was no down, there was no side to side
And furthermore, to underscore this total lacking state
There was no here, there was no there, because there was no space
And in this endless void which can't be though of as a place
There was no time, and so no passing minutes, hours, days
Of all the paradoxes that belabor common sense
I think this one's the greatest, this 'time before events'
Because how did we get from nothing to infinitely dense?
From immesurably small to inconceivably immense?
But before we get unmoored from the question at the start
Let's take a breath and marvel at when math becomes an art
Because we don't have to understand it to know there was a time
Where there was no up, there was no down, there was no side to side

[DanielFortierM]

This poem is pure genius…what a beautiful mind you have. Thank you.

[sfabian]

This video made me realize that these short videos might be the best medium for poetry, ever. Your poem is wonderful and I want more!

[Storkus]

Attention all teachers, this should be taught in all schools. It's a Shel Silverstine summery of the creation of the universe. Elle, you are a creative genius thank you for inviting us onto your world and sharing your insights with us. The world is a better place with you in it.

[Idontwantahandleiresentthis]

I'm hypnotized by how much and how well you soften hard science through poetry that is as beautiful as the thoughts are profound. Your videos are always a treat. Thank you so very much.

[piknos]

Feels like I was listening to Dr Seuss

[GoblinModeMVP]

Chills. Absolute chills. I’ve perused the internet for many a year, and this is by far the most beautifully profound piece I’ve enjoyed. Astounding.

[rehamkcirtap]

Honestly, this is one of the most clever lyrical constructions that exists. I've enjoyed since it was first posted.

[HappyduckT-T]

THIS WOMAN IS MADE OF ART HERSELF OMGGGG

[MatthewMoranMusic]

Two of my favorite distractions! Hank & Elle!

[Vracka]

I wrote this poem down, printed it and glued it in my locker, so I see and recite it daily. I really love it

[yitzyryp]

If you told me, this was a Shel Silverstein poem I’d believe you in an instant! You’re great!

[anthrax]

My mind belies and really tries to fathom a vacant start, but as time flies from such a track do all my thoughts depart.

Unable to say I know the way from which existence sprang, my neurons merge and thoughts converge to know this real big bang.

Stoked by vanity my little sanity will in the balance hang, until my mind should be so kind to solve this big BADANG!!!

[DesandSam]

Every now and then youtube sends me this clip, and it is one of the most beautiful things that I've ever seen or heard.

[rosejustice]

I *_adore_* Hank and while I’m new to Elle, I think she is talented and brilliant. What a great combo! ❤️💕

[blueheadphones]

And in this endless void that can't be thought as a place/I'd still miss the way you laugh and the smile on your face. I thought this would be a love poem, but I love this :)

[ellendehollander]

'How did we get from nothing to infinitely dense'

Circles are all around you
You see them in plain sight
Yet when you try and find them
They hide in waves of light

The seed, the fruit, the life of it
The flowers and fields of time
They cannot seem to unsee it
This infinite eye of mine

This riddle is the key you need
To activate the rose
As diamond as her leaves may be
The spiral is her pose

Now takes from this what resonates
And leave the rest behind
You'll only love your way through this
And love is what you'll find

Love is in the eye of the beeholder

~Ellen.

Enjoy my response and keep up the awesomeness. Im enjoying your creations a lot

[TheHorrorDevotee]

I love how she looks like she’s just freestyling on the spot