Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (June 7, 2004)
Goodbyes come without cynicism “To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a pic ture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again." — Ralph Waldo Emerson I began this school year simply wanting it to end, literally counting the weeks at the beginning of fall term. I hesitantly returned to school for a fifth year. I thought to myself, "Only 10 more weeks until the term ends," and I would come home each day, curl up on my straw mat and count the days away. Aaron Shakra Out of range Eventually, 1 surrendered this rou tine, and the procession of time be came a backdrop for experiences that grew from the earth of familiarity. I talked with Julia Butterfly Hill under the dawn redwood tree. I sifted my hands through soil that has been ► worked for 30 years. I hosted an open mic. I encountered new and beautiful people each time. So now, as it's finally over, I struggle to exist in the moment I'm experienc ing. I want it to be over when it's happening, and then afterwards I miss it. No final column could match the sentiment flowing through this body. My life has been a series of imper fections that some might be tempted to call mistakes. But when enough time passes, I realize there are no mistakes, and everything's strangely as it should be. Only now, as 1 sift through this pile of incompletes that I attempt to finish in this last week of classes in order to graduate, I discov er the words to say this. I've wanted so badly to be an adult all my life, and now, as I am cast away from this womb of academia for the first time, I am finally won dering where my childhood went. I fear this detachment. Because this is what I know, and this is what I am comfortable with. If only I could start it all over again, I could have taken more women's studies classes, taken more African dance and drumming, Japan ese literature courses — I could have taken Urban Farm every term. If only ... no, such musing is pointless. 1 am about to be born again, and it's pointless to resist any longer. It is time surrender again. Because after all, these stories are merely conception, a narrative I con struct to order my experience, to mark beginnings and ends. When I take time to breathe, I know better. Like Basho, I dream of setting out on long journeys with nothing but a few belongings and hanamuke (part ing gifts) in my backpack. I wish to Turn to SHAKRA, page 18B EUGENE HARDWARE • Hardware • Electrical • Plumbing • Paint • Housewares • Lawn & Garden • Tools 342-5191 2825 Willamette Eugene, Oregon PANCAKE HOUSE && ef/xcc Cc&c t&evPt'f Located conveniently close to campus, next to the Phoenix Inn! 019183 Sju! vy •• , s' / -U i , v % .. >• y ■> NEW Extended Hours Sat. & Sun. 6am—3pm Mon.—Fri. 6am—2pm Additional parking available behind the building in Diamond parking lot on Sat. & Sun. only! 782 East Broadway Ave., Eugene • 343-7523
