Perspectives

Today I saw a crow on a white birch. The tree had no leaves, and the sun fell on its top branches. I wondered if crows can see colors and if they feel the warmth of the sun.

Today I felt cold and I digged in my closet for a sweater. I looked at the thermometer and saw summer pack its things and leave. I dreamed about living in a place where it is always warm and cloudy.

Today I saw a high school couple kissing. They held each other like they were the most precious, fragile thing. I smiled and turned away and hoped they were happy.

Today I watched a maple samara dance in the wind. It soared and swirled for minutes, as if the life it carried inside had somehow found a way to express its joy.

Today I saw a black crow on a white birch. The tree was dead, bereft of leaves. The sun fell on its top branches, suspending the morning up high where I couldn’t reach it. I wondered if crows ever have nightmares in which they are falling and they can’t  move their wings.

Today I felt cold and I remembered fear. I looked at the thermometer and saw summer betray me. I told myself that when the sun is tired, it lets the cold burn us instead.

Today I saw a high school couple kissing. Checkered tights and a buzz cut were imitating what they thought they should be feeling. I smirked and turned away and wondered why some people even bother.

Today I watched a maple samara swirl madly in the wind, and I wondered if the seed inside felt nausea.

Meaning by Surprise

I think people are color-blind in the morning. When I wake up and look out the window, I can’t tell if the sky is blue or gray. Likewise, I can’t tell which way this day is going to take me. And sometimes a bit of grogginess is all it takes for a thought to take me by surprise.

The Truth About Forever

This is not one of those books where everything gradually gets worse and worse and then somehow everything fixes itself magically in the end. The many ups and downs make it hard to stop reading. By doing pretty much nothing else, I managed to finish it in two days. Yes, it’s that great. I urge you to NOT read any further, and go grab the book instead. Really!

Telling you what the story is about would be an insult to the author, Sarah Dessen. Never in a thousand years could I write up a summary to come even close to the intensity of the book. Let me just tell you that if you’re not a close minded I’ve-got-all-the-answers kind of person, this book will leave you in the end with at least part of your views on life changed. A word of warning though: it may not appeal to people much older that me (but don’t tell me you’ve got all the answers!)