Bierds does some pretty remarkable things with stories taken from history and science (and the history of science).  First Hand includes a series of poems about Gregor Mendel and his experiments with cross-breeding pea plants.  The Seconds revolves around a Spanish king with insomnia but also covers Vermeer and Zelda Fitzgerald.  Really beautiful stuff.

But I ain't gonna right now, 'cause I'm too lazy.  Thththppt.