As the black track, sparkling from the sunlight, stretches
around the corner, all he can see are the flashy phrases. Words everywhere. Advertisements
for various clubs and activities pass then go. And once he makes his way around
this miniature and narrow track, he is met by a massive building. The building
is so bright that it disrupts the blue and white variation the sky creates. However,
as soon as he starts focusing on the silver time capsule looking objects that
are implanted on the top of the building, it is too late. The steel frame quickly
vanishes in the distance, as he has now turned the curving bend. From here, all he
can see are the green, sycamore trees. And yes, they do have leaves on them. The
trees have not lost hope for the winter. Soon, he may not be able to say the
same. Towards December, those lively chunks of wood will be lifeless as the
white snowflakes bury the land. Just as the runner turns the final bend, he
knows that he must not worry about what’s lying ahead. He must learn to
appreciate the present moment since the track remains visible for only a
couple more months.
When I read this I get a sense of being disoriented and confusion by all the images of color and words that the runner experiences. You exude a sense of hopelessness when you talk about the desolate winter where the runner will lose the ability run outside, yet he remains optimistic about the track. I can't help but feeling that the runner is symbolically representing freshmen as we are also assaulted by a myriad of new sights and advertisement as well as prodigious buildings that crowd the blue skylines. We also have to deal with a sense of the approaching winter where the track is not so clear and open and easy to run on.
ReplyDeleteI agree that as freshman, we feel confused and disoriented, and you exemplified this perfectly through your imagery. Sarah, I agree with your comparison and I identify with the sense of hopelessness.
ReplyDeleteThis piece makes me think about the ways in which college students navigate their careers. There will be times of stillness as you illustrate in your description of winter, there will be times of appreciation, but ultimately if we stay on the track but at the same time, create out own paths we have no reason to be worried. Great job, Evan!
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