My Favorite Poem Ever.

The period in the title shows just how absolute that statement was. If I might guess, I wrote this poem freshman year, during the summer (?) Anywho, it might not be very elegant or fluent or even deep. But it is still my favorite poem. Circle of life-ish.

The sun greens the trees;

it's brilliance startles my infancy,

pomegranate lips and grape jelly limbs

kiss and touch the magic of life.

My innocence wanders through

profound forest.

The sun browns the grass;

an element of surprise no longer exists,

as I racket through an abysmal routine of

lies and life and washing my dishes.

The forest is but a mile wide,

leading nowhere.

The sun rots the trees;

and they fall, one by one.

I chop away at life

speaking in a trance of old age.

With pomegranate juice staining blued lips

I soar past the sun,

an infant.

What is life,

but endless seasons of blind souls

entering and leaving the light?

The Result Will Be Fiction

Today almost felt like a dream. I remember waking up, putting on my clothes, pulling out of the driveway and pulling into Bethesda Baptist Church. I remember quietly sitting, watching as mourners filed in wearing black and looking grim. I remember standing up to sing. From our tight vowel shapes to our body language, I could tell we were pushing it. We were trying our hardest to put on that celebratory demeanor that "Glory, Glory" so highly demands. I remember sitting down, hearing the momentary pause before the muted clap, and standing up again to move to a pew. I remember Clara holding my arm; I remember hearing a lot of crying and feeling my own face wet with tears. And I remember driving home.

To Katy: I hope beyond hope that somewhere in Heaven you were singing with us.

To Jeremy and Shane:

We are all connected

by experience.

In this mirage of life

we are alike.

My brothers see only hate

because this world thrives on

fear and tears and

love, brothers, love.

But our meanings differ

with age, each page

turned to a contrasting chapter;

We live to love when

love is nothing and everything-

an endless definition.

Ode to Arbuckle.

I can't express my love for Arbuckle Park enough. If any physical place has a spot in my heart, it is Arbuckle, for several reasons.

1. When I was little, my sweaty little legs pumped on the swings, tumbled down the slides, and scuttled around the playground like there was no tomorrow.

2. My dog's first walk was at Arbuckle.

3. I've read many, many books while reclining in those little red wooden benches.

4. My first awkward, incredible, shocking date with Will was at Arbuckle.

5. Every year I would try to look cute for the boys at the 4th of July celebration :)

6. Many of my deep, meaningful conversations with people occur at Arbuckle.

7. I run in Arbuckle.

8. A shortcut through my neighborhood takes me into Arbuckle's depths.

9. When a non-Brownsburg friend traverses to Brownsburg, I almost always take him/her to Arbuckle.

10. When I have to cry, I know where to go.

11. My mock-sacrifice (as seen in picture) was held in Arbuckle.

12. Altogether, Arbuckle has always been there. No matter what. It is much like my little shelter on an island; when I go there, I feel like I'm as isolated as I can get. And I need isolation sometimes.

In short, I love you Arbuckle. Thanks for not getting ripped apart by a tornado or swallowed by the Flood. Love, Ashley.

I think, therefore I am

And so begins the first post...

First, I would much rather be writing in a journal right now. But alas, typing on the computer is quicker and the world is getting a bit too fast-paced for me. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! (?) Not my usual motto.

The most enlightening night I have spent this summer involved dining with Jeff Coffin and my boyfriend and talking for several hours about connectedness and education and photography. It is refreshing to know that there are still people out there who are willing to be friendly to complete strangers. No, not Stranger Danger. Wouldn't the world be much nicer if people spent time actually talking? Maybe a friendly hello, or a small gesture that shows respect. I would be all right with that. We need to take the time to be human again; mankind is turning into a machine. I've gotten off topic. Anyway, it was a great night and I want to give a nod to Jeff for keeping the love.