silhouettes of branches mock the sky,
and they block the pinks and oranges from eyes’ view.
air is bitter, not cold.
it takes breaths away and doesn’t allow you to inhale new.
october is a time capsule.
its smell is one that is familiar and learned.
withering corn fields and crow calls give you joy,
for you know that the old memories will soon return.
your smile was permanent,
like the candy apples that stained your teeth.
plaid jackets covered your shoulders,
and the crimson leaves crushed beneath your feet.
you run like the children that fall in the gravel,
a single band aid fixes all.
trickling tears are wiped for them,
for they are pitied for being small.
the sweet melody sung by the sparrows
is now drowned by the sound of null.
your taste buds no longer desire pleasant sugar,
for they are now just motivated by being full.
reminiscence is your source of youth,
it’s why you are alive.
and you remember what they always told you:
the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Masy Arnoldy is a current first year at University Park and is majoring in secondary education, considering a minor in creative writing, and is an avid member of the Penn State University Park cheerleading team. She is from West Grove, Pennsylvania and aspires to be a high school English teacher.