Ninety-Four Genes

In the minimal cell
Are still mysterious—

No one knows what they do,
Except that the cell dies

If any one of them
Is gone. Simulations

Are now in the process
Of deciphering them

And their contributions
To a minimal life.

Yes. A minimal life
Sounds nice. How does one live

Such a minimal life?
As words, we’d like to know.

All our information,
All our combinations

Together aren’t enough
To slip us past the line

That’s always wavering
Between non-life and life.

Ninety-four mysteries,
Essential black boxes,

What are your hidden gifts?
Speak, so that we may live.