Chilled Glow

Some of my classes are in the School of Music, on North Campus. Many students don’t appreciate the beauty and nature of North Campus. I have witnessed geese in the pond, multiple deers, and the calming sounds of the nature breeze. I especially love to go on walks during sunset hour, so I can capture pictures. This week, I am showcasing a photo I took from North Campus. With the weather dropping low, there is a cold breeze that perfectly blends with the hues of blue and yellow in the sky.

One of my favorite classical pieces, Nocturne in E flat major by Chopin, I feel captures the feelings of this picture. With the weather dropping, I feel slow and a drop in energy, especially with finals coming up. Chopin’s nocturne is sad, in my opinion, as it is yearning for something bright. For me, that brightness is the sun and warmer weather. Yet, even though I want this change, the beautiful colors of the sunset matched by the nature, makes me love the cold Fall season. The nocturne has a glow, and quiet reflection just like the sky, in this picture, itself carrying an expressive “chilled glow”.

Capturing Campus: the Forest

the Forest

there are whispers in these woods

they call 

to me Breathing 

sweet nothings

born from blackberries

and figs The promise of purpose 

pomegranate seeds 

mashed by molars

mystifying It’s alive 

and breathing

though the exhale doesn’t 

stop

and the air has runs

and the lungs don’t 

e x p a n d

between trees 

the metallic clicking 

a painful 

gurgling The mouth of the forest 

opens wide

stealing air  

blood 

body 

from my soul

o u t s t r e t c h e d am I

doomed to the final moment

a death rattle

Capturing Campus: Soulful

Soulful

Autumn leaves in piles

at your feet I smile

whisked up in the chill

of bare tree limbs

regal in poses

possessing the spirit

with promises of apple cider

and cinamon sticks

knitted sweaters

with kaleidoscope jewels

and amber sap

on sticky fingers

finding their way to

comfort in decay

an annual dance

of those bewitched 

by western winds

Fortunate are those

with the autumnal soul

Autumn’s Quiet Symphony 

Michigan fall is unmatched. The breeze of the wind, changing of leaves, and orange scenery, gives a comfy and cozy feeling. As the temperature drops, and the cold weather starts rolling in, I feel a feeling of warmness, which is ironic because of how cold the temperature is. However, being able to bundle up and stay warm as I watch the seasons change, adds on to the peaceful setting.

While I focus on classical music, this week, this picture allowed me to reflect on the diversity in music genres. Much like the many different leaves, they represent the dynamics of music compositions. I chose a popular song, “Do you believe in Magic”, by the Lovin’ Spoonful (Do You Believe in Magic). The upbeat melody celebrates the magic in everyday places and moments, and the theme of finding joy in the smallest things, like a beautiful autumn day, gives a magical feeling. The guitar riff, lively rhythm, and light vocals emphasize a sense of excitement and wonder for the autumn season reflected in this photo.

Capturing Campus: Nosebleed

Content warning: mentions of blood, profanity

Nosebleed

I see red

smell pennies

am I bleeding out 

my nose

or just my eyes 

adjustments are needed

contact lenses or otherwise

I’m woozy

walking somewhere

my legs will carry me there

there is where i will go

I don’t know where  

the world’s blurry

behind fluid-tinted glasses

how funny it is 

that my body can’t contain itself

in lungs or lifeblood

the capacity to

spill over the side

and to want to

pluck reds from strawberry bushes

bell peppers come from bushes too

but you don’t see people picking them

because who’d eat a bell pepper

when life’s dripping

and you’re bleeding all over the fucking carpet

Capturing Campus: Recipe from Hell

Recipe from Hell

INGREDIENTS

1 garlic clove

5 sesame seeds

4 snake eggs

2 tbsp sage

1 fingerbone

DIRECTIONS

Mash the clove 

Grind the sesame seeds

Crack the snake eggs

Whisk until incorporated

Crush the fingerbone finely

Sprinkle bone dust and sage into the mixture

Whisk vigorously until the souls of your enemies cry out

(from beneath the floorboards)

Bake until golden brown, or until the angels weep at your feet

Leave to cool in the center of your pentagram

Allow the hellfire erupting from the ground to crisp the edges

Dig in!