Poetic Meaning :: A Dialog

"I am using the time to catch up on my study of poetry."
"Data, there's nothing on the screen."
"That is not entirely correct. While it is true the display is currently blank, this 'emptiness' has a poetic meaning. Therefore, it cannot be considered 'nothing' as such."
"Says who?"
"The ancient Uzidarians. Much of their poetry contains such lacunae or empty spaces. Often these pauses measured several days in length, during which poet and audience were encouraged to acknowledge the emptiness of the experience."
"I remember a few lectures at Starfleet Academy that seemed that way."
-- Data and LaForge, "Interface" || STAR TREK: The Next Generation

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