At the university’s duck pond on a weekend night there are a strange mix of people milling about the pond. The weather is clear and perfect, a gentle breeze rips through the trees and moves the leaves creating that peaceful sound that all people love, and find comfort in. It’s past everyone’s bedtime. Long after the hour anything good happens. But this is a college campus and what good happens here really.
The first group I noticed seem to be a collection of drunk freshmen seeping out of the dorms. They are meandering around, stumbling on the short dry grass. There are probably seven or more of them, all probably under age. They are shouting and it takes me a moment to realize that they are actually singing a well-known pop song. They sit at the edge of the pond and a few light up cigarettes, or maybe something heavier. I’m at a distance away and can’t say for sure. They sit there and talk and shout amongst themselves. They are so care free and happy. Obviously the alcohol and smoke in their blood stream help with this attitude, but there is something nice about their youth and innocence. After fifteen minutes or so they got up and wondered back to the dorms, where they came from. Now the pond is silent. There is a cop car that passes periodically observing the campus, trying to find delinquents and misbehaviors.
After a few minutes a different crowd entirely walks by. It is a couple probably in their early twenties. They hold each other close and kiss under the stars. How nice. The girl is now talking. She seems to be telling a long story with much exaggeration. The boy sits patiently listening nodding at seemingly important parts, and interrupting with seemingly appropriate questions. I guess that’s what loves means. They stayed the longest and were still there when I departed back to my lodgings.
At the NMSU duck pond there is a diverse mix of people, certainly, but tonight consisted of young adults with freedom and friendship. The night air rings with different voices, and in the end there is a similar chorus that clamors with a summer night and youth, and all the joy and fun that comes with youth and a summer weekend.
The first group I noticed seem to be a collection of drunk freshmen seeping out of the dorms. They are meandering around, stumbling on the short dry grass. There are probably seven or more of them, all probably under age. They are shouting and it takes me a moment to realize that they are actually singing a well-known pop song. They sit at the edge of the pond and a few light up cigarettes, or maybe something heavier. I’m at a distance away and can’t say for sure. They sit there and talk and shout amongst themselves. They are so care free and happy. Obviously the alcohol and smoke in their blood stream help with this attitude, but there is something nice about their youth and innocence. After fifteen minutes or so they got up and wondered back to the dorms, where they came from. Now the pond is silent. There is a cop car that passes periodically observing the campus, trying to find delinquents and misbehaviors.
After a few minutes a different crowd entirely walks by. It is a couple probably in their early twenties. They hold each other close and kiss under the stars. How nice. The girl is now talking. She seems to be telling a long story with much exaggeration. The boy sits patiently listening nodding at seemingly important parts, and interrupting with seemingly appropriate questions. I guess that’s what loves means. They stayed the longest and were still there when I departed back to my lodgings.
At the NMSU duck pond there is a diverse mix of people, certainly, but tonight consisted of young adults with freedom and friendship. The night air rings with different voices, and in the end there is a similar chorus that clamors with a summer night and youth, and all the joy and fun that comes with youth and a summer weekend.
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