“nostalgia”

[poem by maddie smith ’24]

The only thing winter and summer have in common Is the nostalgia they make you feel for spring.

The summer is chalked full of sunburns and swimming; Stomach aches because you’ve been laughing so much (But also because they didn’t invite you); Sightseeing and celebrations— even of the holidays you don’t like, But you smile at the fireworks nonetheless, Because you know you’ll regret it later if you don’t.

Breathe, the Wind whispers, teasing you with her cooling care landing just out of reach. Breathe.

Winter, on the other hand, is full of frostbite and fleeces;fireplaces that aren’t warm enough; friends that are too busy. One day, it will be nice enough to step outside (Even for just a moment) Without a coat on. And you will feel free In the same way you do when you’re home alone And just for a moment (Even just for a moment) No one can tell you what to do or think or say. And then the wind blows, and your coat returns to its station over your arms, And you shiver because it’s what the cold tells you to do.

Spring is transitional. The buds won’t blossom until May, the pools won’t open until June, And yet there is this stillness in the weather. The breeze is just right. The sun isn’t harsh. And even though it is the season of final exams and studying and

Coziness

Hush, the Wind calls, taunting and berating with her harsh tone of a bitter negative degree. Silence. spring 2023 04

Praying you get a good enough grade, It is also the season of in-between. And when it comes time for celebration, you Welcome the festivities with open arms; And when the Wind blows against your neck, you shiver on your own accord. Because the Wind acknowledges that a few weeks ago you cursed her coldness And in a few weeks time, you will Yearn for the coolness of her touch. Your agreement does not go unseen, it does not go unheard.

Here, she amends. We understand each other here.

I take back my previous statement that the only thing winter and summer have in common Is the nostalgia they make you feel for spring. Their other similarity is this: During both of those seasons, the Wind is not your friend.

Yet during both of those seasons, the wind is all you have.