Hunch on a haunch

A haunch in masonry

is that part of an arch

where thrusting forces splay

and try to push out most.

If we start at the top and work

our way down, the haunch

is measured at a precise angle

in a round, Roman or barrel vault.

It is fifty one degrees

and fifty one minutes

universally, without exception.

The slope of great pyramids is based on

a wonder, the slippery number

of the golden mean, or phi

a greek letter that sounds like ‘fee.’

The slope of these pyramids is precise and

astounding because it is measured

at fifty one degrees

and fifty one minutes

but no one can reckon

Why?