36 Views of Augustana — a Renga

Vince:             The morning sun spies

                        unread books upon a desk.

                        The night was too short.
 

Coleman:       Study cannot prompt brilliance;

                        ingenuity is a lightning strike.

Rikki:              Awaken in a panic

                        recalling times of procrastination.

                        Luck’s all that’s needed.
 

Jess:                Crisp, white paper on a table

                        cast from broken leaves.

Alice:              Outside, snow glistens.

                        Footprints are words on a page

                        which must now be written.

Ashley:           Paper is without purpose

                        until pen unites with it.

Ashley:           Forget excuses,

                        professors know all of them;

                        efforts are futile.

Brittany:         Efficiency reducing,

                        hot coffee being drunk.

Anton:            Another good night  

                        means another tough morning.

                        That’s college for you.

Andrew:         The sluggish start is combatted,

                        a brisk caffeine breeze.

Keely:             Stagger out the door,

                        Gatorade in travel mug.

                        I’m sober enough.

Louise:           Bag is heavy,

                        running out of balance, late again.

Andrew:         Timing is the essence of now,

                        no questions have been asked,

                        all the sports are privileged.

Alice:              Too early for thinking.

                        Must try my hardest regardless. Ugh.

Alice:               Answer the question.

                        "There's no such thing as wrong here."           

                         Or so they say. Lies.

Brittany:         Searching for life

                        a fireplace burns bright.

Anton:            Ideas blaze strong

                        creativity a foe—

                        struggle no more. Phew.

Coleman:       For academia’s struggles

                        knowledge is a fine prize.

Coleman:       Sage wisdom, a small fee,

                        scholars push for integrity.

                        Pupils: vessels for light.

Louise:            Rushing to and fro.

                        The Forum becoming a pedway.

Ashley:           Necks twist left and right

                        as athletes fight for the win;

                        cheers inspire them.

Rikki:               School spirit unites us.

                        We hang off the edge of our seats.

Brittany:         Seated in long rows

                        Remember, forget, write

                        Empty thoughts like clouds

Anton:            Vikings pride wells up—

                        measureless camaraderie!

Vince:             Standing together

                        finding a community

                        yet also alone.

Keely:             There’s no money for you

                        go find your own funds.

Brittany:         Snowman being built in quad

                        dance sans alcohol

                        always trying to save a buck

Brittany:         Too many activities

                        Yoga for thirty days? Nah.

Anton:            First year fun fades fast.

                        Humans and zombies. No thanks.

                        Maturity sucks.
 

Jess:                Escape tiny dorm rooms

                        run straight into capstones.

Jess:                Brain power failing

                        crawl towards the finish line

                        Did we choose this?

Louise:            Four years later,

                        still not enough.

Rikki:               Time passes quickly

                        so many new faces

                        friendships that last lifetimes.

Keely:              Martin Luther, you’re my friend

                        You at least will still be here.

Alice:               Martin wears fuzzy scarves

                        and Santa hats in winter.

                        And once, a toilet seat.

Vince:              Sun sinks on the Ravine
                         see it again tomorrow.


February 24-26, 2014