An Evening in Summer

Late this summer, soon after the beginning of my first semester of college, I took an evening off from homework and went outside. I took a notebook and a pen, and sat in front of the fountain in the dark, listening to the sounds. As I listened, I wrote...

The world is perfectly still. The fountain creates an unchanging "shhh" as the water springs forth into the air in a burst of pure freedom and then descends gracefully like a ballerina, mingling in the water below before being thrust up again. The breeze blows gently as a dull whisper past my ears. Its hidden messages remain unknown, staying on the edge of discovery, taunting one with its secrets. There is a distant, muted roar as cars drive past on a far-away road. Stone walls grow out of the ground as if planted there by a great mason. The light glances off the rigid walls as our lives against the wheel of eternity. Crickets fill the air with gentle cheeping. The clock tower sounds, breaking the stillness with its deep, majestic sound. A sprinkling of stars are scattered across the night sky, filling one with awe at their distance and beauty. Laughter rings across the open courtyard as if crossing the great expanses of time, echoing from the past. Fireworks fill the air with sudden thunder and brilliancy; then all goes back to its gentle peace. All the sounds join together in perfect harmony, completely uninterrupted and uninhibited by the inward turmoil of our lives. Inside these buildings, there is excitement and anxiety abounding, but outside all remains unchanged - still and serene. Nothing is shocked or harried here...all continues without care or alteration. This night is perfect.