Anyon, Anyon

Anyon, anyon, where do you roam?

Braid for a while before you go home.

Though you’re condemned just to slide on a table,

A life in 2D also means that you’re able

To be of a type neither Fermi nor Bose

And to know left from right --- that’s a kick, I suppose.

You and your buddy were made in a pair

Then wandered around, braiding here, braiding there.

You’ll fuse back together when braiding is through

Well bid you adieu as you vanish from view.

No one can say, not at this early juncture

If someday we’ll store quantum data in punctures

With quantum states hidden where no one can see,

Protected from damage through topology.

Anyon, anyon, where do you roam?

Braid for a while before you go home.

John Preskill

January 2005