"Untitled" by: Nicolette Durso

Nicolette Durso, 11th

June 3rd. One of the hottest days of the year, it said this morning. It was a beautiful day indeed. I was outside, laying on the fresh, morning dew stained grass that was bright lime green, and the soft, damp dirt ground. The sun was shining so brightly, so warm on my face and hot on my body and yet the wet ground kept my legs cool.

On my way here, I bought these flowers from the farmers market. They were white and yellow and purple with accents of lavender and lilies. I can’t even tell the name of these flowers, I do not know, they were just so beautiful. They were laying on my lap as I was laying down in this sun. I could feel their soft leaves between my fingers as I rubbed the petals. All my senses seemed hyper observant- I could smell the blossomed flowers with accents of lavender and lily mixed with the smell of the wooded trees and grass dew and soil around me. I could hear the birds singing to each other, probably talking of how lovely this morning was, and I could hear the soft hum of cicadas buzzing- This moment is so perfect. Please reality, leave me alone for just a few more seconds.

As that thought went through my mind, the universe must’ve heard me, and replied with, ”I do not care” .

Because, sadly, my eyes opened. All I could see was bright blue and the spots of blur from looking at the sun too hard. The smell of the lilies and lavender and woods and morning dew faded as I sat up. The feeling of that moment was gone. That beautiful, perfect moment. I looked behind me to the grass I just layed on. The grass owned my body’s imprint. I stood up, layed down the purple and white and yellow flowers with accents of lilies and lavender that smelled of wood and air and blossoms.

I laid them down at the head of her grave, and walked away.

Why can’t reality just leave me alone?