VESPERS

SPARROWS

Morning after fi rst snow— outside my kitchen window, gray sparrows fl ap up and down on a sagging clothesline. It is a corn dance in honor of sunshine on snow.

What joy in a sparrow’s body as he jumps and eats— a world of red barns, snow, old clotheslines and corn kernels is enough. No brooding on hunger and death, no suspicion among the sparrows.

I return from seeing a woman, full of joy and dancing in my body— lie awake all night putting away old dreams like a man packing for a long trip.

Now it is clear: her face come to me, and I sink into sleep like childhood, rising hours later to bright sun, sparrows dancing on the clothesline. In a world of grief, no one has any right to such gifts as I am given; I take them, put on my feathers, and go dance in the snow.

—Bill Holm ’65 from The Dead Get By With Everything (Milkweed Editions, 1991)

Before the Gustavus choirs sing the fi rst notes at Christmas in Christ Chapel, CHRIS BLASCHKO has already been at work for days—giving the students a stage for their talents. Chris is a one-man moving crew at Gustavus. With experience gained in his years on a Navy supply ship, Chris is the person the College calls upon when it’s time to move lab equipment, classroom desks, or biology specimens. His biggest challenge comes every December. The choir risers for Christmas in Christ Chapel are an 1,800-piece puzzle that take three days to assemble.

Chris Blaschko

Gustavus depends on people like Chris. They might work behind the scenes, but their skill and experience are invaluable. So is their commitment to our students. Gifts to the Gustavus Fund also don’t get the spotlight. But they are essential. Together with the gifts of other members of the Gustavus community, your contribution provides the foundation for the College’s mission-driven work. The Gustavus Fund sets the stage for our students to develop their talents and shine. Please give to the Gustavus Fund today. Without the dedication of people like Chris, Gustavus would not be able to serve students. Without your gifts to the Gustavus Fund, their good work would be impossible.

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From right to left: Anna Sexton, Malia Kabis, Ally Rakow, Abby Moe, Andrea Cruz Bracamontes, and Itzell Martinez—all sophomores—celebrate their fi rst on-campus, in-person Homecoming from the fi rst row of the student section of Hollingsworth Field. It was a beautiful day for alumni, students, parents, sta , and friends to be together, including a 36-21 football win over Concordia in the MIAC opener.