Lost Hiking
I woke up abruptly and bolted upright. Remembering how I was lost sent shivers down my spine involuntarily. Going back to sleep, in a dream state I recalled what had happened years earlier. I was hiking with some of my friends and their parents. I was in the middle as I was not that fast. My faster friends were in the front, and the slower in the back, leaving the parents thoroughly scattered. As the walking continued, I start to realize it had been a while since I had seen anybody. Usually I would speed up and see the people at the front, or slow a bit down and see the people at the back shuffling. Yet now no matter how much I slowed down or sped up, no one appeared before me.
Slowly I stopped to take in my surroundings, trying not to panic. I began to do what helps be calm down, looking over in my mind the worst that could happen. I thought no one would let me be out here forever and if they ended the hike already people would worry. Then I thought of the best possible scenarios. Since I had seen parents and kids behind me and in front of me, I could just sit and wait for them to catch up. Deciding to sit to wait I unpacked some food I brought with me. Sitting at the side of the trial was peaceful yet sinister. I watched the sun go down between the thick trees and a cold feeling washed over me. It had been 20 minutes and no sign of people. Again, I sat and looked over my options. I could wait until dark sitting doing nothing or I could try to find the people I was hiking with. Choosing what I thought was the latter, putting my things in my drawstring bag prepared to be more lost than before.
Walking at a nervously fast speed, thought of what my destination should be. Either to go back to where we started or look for someone familiar. Thinking so far into my mind I almost didn’t notice I was at a crossroads. I pulled out my map and tried to look at it, this wouldn't do anything, I didn’t know how to read map or where I was. I guessed which direction I should go and walked. I passed a bridge where a couple was and politely said hello.
I walked for what felt like forever and came out on a trial I recognised. It was the trail at the top of a hill I used to hike with my family. I started running realising I could be home soon, completely away from this situation. I don’t know where I got the energy from but I used it. I walked through the park observing my surroundings, noticing many, many, skunks. It was dark so I walked super slowly. Looking far in front of me, I watched the skunks go in and out of bushes and in between fences like their movements were automated. While observing the movements I had not noticed a skunk right in front of me. We stared at each other unmoving because of the fear of each other. I peered up and about looking for escape. Knowingly thinking skunks can’t be exactly like T-Rexes, I was pretty sure it still saw me even if I didn’t move. Decided to back up very slowly until I could sprint away. I made small move movements to not scare the skunk. Each tiny step I took the skunk became bigger and bigger. I got about 6 feet away a sprinted away. Stopping about 20 feet away, I turned back to check if the skunk was following me. The skunk was walking away like nothing had happened. Instead rechallenging the skunk I put my conscious somewhere else, now focusing on discerning my objective.
During hiking earlier, there was a stick I found during my hiking trip. I used it when I walked for the sole purpose saying it was my only memento from this experience. I walking down the hill I need my home and my heart was beating out of my chest. Leaving my heart on the ground in front of me I continued on. At the bottom of the hill only one more turn before I could get home. Seeing my home I got excited. As a ran up my stairs my chest felt empty. I rang my doorbell and was able to get inside, safe. No more skunks, sticks, maps, nervousness, and no more hiking. Moral of the story is: don’t go hiking; and if you do, don’t move if you think you’re lost.
Anonymous
glitter barrettes
there is a light in your eyes
was.
there was a light in your eyes
when we were small
valentines and glitter barrettes
i blushed and complained about, but
i actually liked them.
really, i did
and i liked the way your hair glowed in the sun
i guess i still do.
but the light is gone.
most of it, anyway
i can see it when you laugh or
when you get nervous around me
but you learned to control it.
i can’t find the glitter barrettes.
maybe if i did, your light would come back
the glitter would reflect right back into your eyes
restored! the tiny stars in your eyes
for everyone to enjoy
who did it?
who took your light?
was it me? no
please say no. it couldn’t
have been me
we were only children
i was only a child
even though your face has changed,
your voice is deeper,
you don’t look at me the same,
and the light is long, long gone.
i can still see it when you laugh
when you laugh,
it’s like all the dead grass in the world
is nourished with water
every starving child
is fed and cared for
every hateful thing that has been said
is taken back
every tear
is dried
every voice
is heard
every life
is valued
every soul
is loved
and your light shines
unashamed, without hesitation
there is a light in your eyes
again.
Sophia Morrison
I woke up abruptly and bolted upright. Remembering how I was lost sent shivers down my spine involuntarily. Going back to sleep, in a dream state I recalled what had happened years earlier. I was hiking with some of my friends and their parents. I was in the middle as I was not that fast. My faster friends were in the front, and the slower in the back, leaving the parents thoroughly scattered. As the walking continued, I start to realize it had been a while since I had seen anybody. Usually I would speed up and see the people at the front, or slow a bit down and see the people at the back shuffling. Yet now no matter how much I slowed down or sped up, no one appeared before me.
Slowly I stopped to take in my surroundings, trying not to panic. I began to do what helps be calm down, looking over in my mind the worst that could happen. I thought no one would let me be out here forever and if they ended the hike already people would worry. Then I thought of the best possible scenarios. Since I had seen parents and kids behind me and in front of me, I could just sit and wait for them to catch up. Deciding to sit to wait I unpacked some food I brought with me. Sitting at the side of the trial was peaceful yet sinister. I watched the sun go down between the thick trees and a cold feeling washed over me. It had been 20 minutes and no sign of people. Again, I sat and looked over my options. I could wait until dark sitting doing nothing or I could try to find the people I was hiking with. Choosing what I thought was the latter, putting my things in my drawstring bag prepared to be more lost than before.
Walking at a nervously fast speed, thought of what my destination should be. Either to go back to where we started or look for someone familiar. Thinking so far into my mind I almost didn’t notice I was at a crossroads. I pulled out my map and tried to look at it, this wouldn't do anything, I didn’t know how to read map or where I was. I guessed which direction I should go and walked. I passed a bridge where a couple was and politely said hello.
I walked for what felt like forever and came out on a trial I recognised. It was the trail at the top of a hill I used to hike with my family. I started running realising I could be home soon, completely away from this situation. I don’t know where I got the energy from but I used it. I walked through the park observing my surroundings, noticing many, many, skunks. It was dark so I walked super slowly. Looking far in front of me, I watched the skunks go in and out of bushes and in between fences like their movements were automated. While observing the movements I had not noticed a skunk right in front of me. We stared at each other unmoving because of the fear of each other. I peered up and about looking for escape. Knowingly thinking skunks can’t be exactly like T-Rexes, I was pretty sure it still saw me even if I didn’t move. Decided to back up very slowly until I could sprint away. I made small move movements to not scare the skunk. Each tiny step I took the skunk became bigger and bigger. I got about 6 feet away a sprinted away. Stopping about 20 feet away, I turned back to check if the skunk was following me. The skunk was walking away like nothing had happened. Instead rechallenging the skunk I put my conscious somewhere else, now focusing on discerning my objective.
During hiking earlier, there was a stick I found during my hiking trip. I used it when I walked for the sole purpose saying it was my only memento from this experience. I walking down the hill I need my home and my heart was beating out of my chest. Leaving my heart on the ground in front of me I continued on. At the bottom of the hill only one more turn before I could get home. Seeing my home I got excited. As a ran up my stairs my chest felt empty. I rang my doorbell and was able to get inside, safe. No more skunks, sticks, maps, nervousness, and no more hiking. Moral of the story is: don’t go hiking; and if you do, don’t move if you think you’re lost.
Anonymous
glitter barrettes
there is a light in your eyes
was.
there was a light in your eyes
when we were small
valentines and glitter barrettes
i blushed and complained about, but
i actually liked them.
really, i did
and i liked the way your hair glowed in the sun
i guess i still do.
but the light is gone.
most of it, anyway
i can see it when you laugh or
when you get nervous around me
but you learned to control it.
i can’t find the glitter barrettes.
maybe if i did, your light would come back
the glitter would reflect right back into your eyes
restored! the tiny stars in your eyes
for everyone to enjoy
who did it?
who took your light?
was it me? no
please say no. it couldn’t
have been me
we were only children
i was only a child
even though your face has changed,
your voice is deeper,
you don’t look at me the same,
and the light is long, long gone.
i can still see it when you laugh
when you laugh,
it’s like all the dead grass in the world
is nourished with water
every starving child
is fed and cared for
every hateful thing that has been said
is taken back
every tear
is dried
every voice
is heard
every life
is valued
every soul
is loved
and your light shines
unashamed, without hesitation
there is a light in your eyes
again.
Sophia Morrison
The Trump Campaign
Artist Statement:
I remember that around the 2016 elections, and even before, Trump was a person who often lied and used propaganda to fuel his campaign: everything from building a wall that Mexico would pay for (which never happened), to the claim that the Muller investigation only exists because the Democrats either want him out of office or to undermine his campaign (both of which they probably want, but that’s not the point of the investigation). Either way, he's engaging in a series of political disinformation, which is supported by most of the Republican Party and Fox News. In short, I made this to remind the country that Trump is, in fact, a liar, and we don't know how much he's covering up today. As for all we know, he could have many secrets hidden within him and his campaign.
Timothy Miu
Artist Statement:
I remember that around the 2016 elections, and even before, Trump was a person who often lied and used propaganda to fuel his campaign: everything from building a wall that Mexico would pay for (which never happened), to the claim that the Muller investigation only exists because the Democrats either want him out of office or to undermine his campaign (both of which they probably want, but that’s not the point of the investigation). Either way, he's engaging in a series of political disinformation, which is supported by most of the Republican Party and Fox News. In short, I made this to remind the country that Trump is, in fact, a liar, and we don't know how much he's covering up today. As for all we know, he could have many secrets hidden within him and his campaign.
Timothy Miu
untitled
It’s been a while since I’ve seen you
Every time I hear your name I have flashbacks to way back when life was more laid back
We went everywhere together, our home wasn’t just in the stack
It was where we were together
You weren’t my blood but you didn’t care
You told me you would be by my side forever
You taught me to love and how to share
I remember the car rides with no destination
The unfunny jokes and endless stories
The short lived two day vacations
Relaxing and free of worries
All the lessons you taught me I took to heart
You weren’t a scholar but you where street smart
You taught me being a man isn’t about dominance
It’s about being true to you and keeping promises
You always kept yours except for one
You said you’d always be by my side cuz I’m your son
But you left me alone for all these years
You let me cry all these tears
I stood up for myself and faced my fears
I had to teach myself to hide it all
I learned to pick myself up after I fall
I’m emotionally unstable
I turned everyone away
My love was unavailable
I knew they’d leave me one day
I just couldn’t get over what you did
Especially after doing a bid
You finally got your freedom back
You had a second chance at life
You had baby Lea and a soon to be wife
Your life had meaning, why did you risk it?
Just to save mine, is it cuz I hadn’t lived it?
All I could think about was baby Lea
How was I going to tell her she would never meet ya
How could you be so selfish and put me through all that
I still wake up in middle of the night, I can’t believe you did that
You broke your promise
You did the one thing you said you wouldn’t
Did you think I would get through it?
I still bare the scar on my shoulder
Every time I touch it, I swallow the boulder
I’ll never let anyone see me for who I am
I’ll do my best to hide my feelings when I can
Why is it I’m the one who lived yet ended up in hell
If I could talk to you for a few minutes I would just yell
Cuz what you did to me was worse than death
Now he’s after me, I only have a few years left
I cheated him out of 9+ years
I cheated myself out of all those tears
And you cheated me out of all that love
You left me dull and numb
You said you loved me until the day you would die
Little did I know how soon that day would come
I just wished you loved me enough to survive
Because of you I keep all my promises and keep my word as a rule of thumb
Julian Romero
Hendu
During every seventh-inning stretch at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, I treat myself to a chocolate malt. On a hot summer afternoon, you have to eat the malt quickly before it liquifies into a syrupy ooze. On a chilly autumn evening, you must be careful not to snap the malt's thin wooden spatula when you dig in to the first bite. Even if the A’s are losing, as they sometimes do, chocolate malts are worth the price of admission. They are more than a refreshing late-game dessert. They are a symbol that plays on the senses and brings back too many stories to pass on. The starchy touch of the wooden spoon, the frosty coating on the outside of the cup, the particular scooping techniques you develop to eat the malt down to the most frozen part in the center--all these details make up a nexus of memory. As the French master of reminiscence Marcel Proust writes, “when nothing subsists of an old past . . . smell and taste still remain for a long time, like souls, remembering, waiting, hoping, on the ruin of all the rest, bearing without giving way, on their almost impalpable droplet, the immense edifice of memory.” And even if you don't care a whit about Proust, the malt's deliciousness abides...
But this reflection is not about chocolate malts, though they are the sensorial key that unlocks the door to a palace of memories--all converging around center field at the Coliseum circa 1989. That was the annus mirabilis for the A’s--bringing the A's to only World Series they won in a stretch of three World Series appearances. The “Battle of the Bay” also bore witness to the Loma Prieta earthquake, another indelible memory that anyone who lived in the Bay Area at the time cannot un-remember. This is all to say that 1988, 1989, and 1990 were without a doubt the most exciting years of ALL time...to be an A’s fan. No doubt, there are some memories I’d love to “delete” (ehem...Kirk Gibson). Yet when I look back through time in my chocolate malt-induced reverie, I realize these years were the Golden Age, the Glory Years, a baseball Utopia, etc. that included the Bash Brothers, Rickey Henderson, Dennis Eckersley, Dave Stewart, Bob Welch, Mike Moore, Carney Lansford, Terry Steinbach, Mike Gallego, Walt Weiss, Dave Parker, and of course. . . Hendu.
If you’re not familiar with the nickname, that’s Dave Henderson (1958-2015), center fielder for the A’s from 1988 to 1993. He was always out there with a freshly laundered home jersey on, playing catch with Dave Parker before the game as my brothers and I would enter the old Coliseum and find seats among the fans sitting on the rickety wooden bleachers. As I remember it, the sun casts a warm golden glare on the always green terraces of ice plant above the center field concession stands. Hendu’s fans shouting out greetings and props to #42 during the pre-game warmups just before first pitch.
Hendu did not put up numbers like Canseco, McGuire, or Rickey, but he had style and an elated smile every time his fans greeted him. He always waved back to fans, tipped his cap, tossed balls to fans at ends of innings, signed autographs--all with humility, grace, and swagger. His hitting was clutch and his fielding solid. But more than all of these qualities as a player and person, his was a presence in center field that put everyone in the bleachers in a joyful mood. He exuded in every post-inning toss to the crowd, with every base hit celebration, and after every clutch RBI the old cliché of being “happy just to play the game.” He is certainly worthy of the mantle of a baseball "G.O.A.T." For now, I’m happy to devote this flashback to him. Even as the Coliseum bleachers were torn out to build “Mount Davis” and welcome back the Oakland Raiders, and even if the A’s eventually move from the Coliseum, I’ll always remember his one-of-a-kind presence on a once-in-a-lifetime baseball team. Whenever I enjoy a chocolate malt at the seventh-inning stretch, I'll reminisce about that little stretch of time that was a green and gold paradise--never past recollection and never gone.
Jeff Neilson