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Calculus, Arithmetic,
and Other Poems on Mindfulness

At Best We Achieve Approximations

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About the Book

Where Mathematics
Meets Mindfulness

In this debut poetry collection, the author, known locally as “Doc Z,” brings together four decades of medicine, mathematics, meditation, and lived human experience.

What happens when the precise world of mathematics meets the deeply human worlds of poetry and mental health? This collection explores that unusual but fascinating intersection, turning complex emotions, relationships, and personal discoveries into thoughtful poetic reflections.

Each poem offers something that can be appreciated on the surface while inviting the reader to look deeper. Mathematical concepts become a unique language for exploring feelings, relationships, and the questions that often resist simple answers.

"Why poems about mathematics? And mental health? The deeper meaning is yours to uncover."
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Calculus, Arithmetic, and Other Poems on Mindfulness by Mark Zilkoski
The Collection

Calculus, Arithmetic,
and Other Poems on Mindfulness

A Contemplative Integration of Math, Medicine & Mindfulness

Book cover, 3D hardcover edition
Book on desk in a candlelit library
Book cover flat on wooden table
Book open showing front and back cover
Title
Calculus, Arithmetic, and Other Poems on Mindfulness
Subtitle
At Best We Achieve Approximations

"Mathematics demands precision.
Poetry compresses truth."

The Author

About Mark Zilkoski, MD

Mark Zilkoski, MD, physician and poet

Physician. Poet. Humanitarian.

For over 40 years, Mark Zilkoski, MD, has practised medicine with one guiding principle: treat the person, not the disease. Known affectionately in Montana as “Doc Z,” and in meditation circles simply as “Z,” he is a humanitarian physician whose work integrates mindfulness, compassion, and presence for the benefit of others.

Originally a math major, he sees poetry as an equation of emotion. His contemplative practice began in 1992 with centering prayer and expanded into mindfulness practice in 2014, drawing on both Buddhist and Christian contemplative traditions. His goal remains unchanged: to benefit mankind through presence and care.

From the Collection

Selected Poems

Under The Bodhi Tree
“Surprised by joy.” CS Lewis A moment's too quick -To say it lasted that long It would be a lie, But all eternity with its space And timelessness traveled Unhindered through my mind. And before it was done, it was gone I never left the place I sat -yet- When it ended, I was sitting there again. I wanted so badly to travel back right then And too fast would not be fast enough But eternity never lasts that long For anyone to take hold of it. It belongs to no one here on earth And never comes when you expect; Just sneaks up and surprises you with joy.
Calculus, Arithmetic, and Other Poems on Mindfulness
Algebra: Use a Pencil
I remember trying to teach My children their algebra; It's not mine, my youngest daughter Would retort, Announcing plans That was when she was famous She would hire someone To unravel things like: How many miles per gallon?   I was born knowing: What do you do on one side You do to the other, Get x by itself, Two negatives grow more negative When adding them But swell, delightedly positive With multiplication. That seemed like a miracle to them; It is, don't you think?   The most important thing I stressed, Because I am still learning it The hard way, Use a pencil; Something indelible can not Be easily erased. It's really everyone's algebra.
Calculus, Arithmetic, and Other Poems on Mindfulness
Argue With Reality
Reality = Actual / Expectation I used to argue with reality. To be honest, I still do. I mean         down            right              fisticuffs: Rough and tumble, Black and blue, Scuffed knees, Torn pants. Ducking a right hook to be struck By a straight shot to my solar plexus. Doubled over with my head down Desperately trying to catch my breath I take another frantic swing. Who does that? To be honest, I hate it; Put your         god           damn              dukes up. Maybe I should Take my gloves off. After all, It is what it is.
Calculus, Arithmetic, and Other Poems on Mindfulness
silence, zero, emptiness
silence, zero, emptiness Are not just place holders The presence of its absence Is not the same as The magician's Now you see it now you don't. It is more than just a place holder.   It can be like spring Just before the leaves, Or the last snow Just after it has melted, The quiet breeze that Follows the banging Winds of a hell bent On destruction tornado.   It has also been for me Like prying open A window tightly Stuck shut with old paint. It's more than just a placeholder.
Calculus, Arithmetic, and Other Poems on Mindfulness
Early Reflections

Words on the Work

"A rare integration of scientific precision and spiritual humility. These poems feel like sitting quietly with a wise physician who has seen everything, and still chooses compassion."

Early Reflection
On the Collection

"Dr. Zilkoski speaks fluently to engineers and clinicians who crave contemplative language without sentimentality. The metaphors are sharp, but the heart is soft."

Early Reflection
On the Collection

"This book doesn't preach. It invites. It doesn't resolve suffering, it honors it."

Early Reflection
On the Collection

"There is courage in these pages. The kind that comes from decades of tending to others and finally turning inward."

Early Reflection
On the Collection

"For those who think in equations but feel in silence, this book is home."

Early Reflection
On the Collection
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Calculus, Arithmetic, and Other Poems on Mindfulness

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