Freshman Year

Waiting all summer 

for AP test results, and placement tests, for return emails 

from busy administrators

Lazy days, zoo days, pool days

One trip to New York

in deer fly season. 

One quick hike to Minnow Pond

by the orange bonnet mushrooms

and maidenhair ferns.

John and Gabe hiked stride for stride

Drenching ourselves with citronella

A day trip to Lewey Lake 

underneath the Hemlock and old growth

of West Canada wilderness

Suddenly, the results are in,

registration accomplished

for theatre and pre-Calc 

As if it were happening to me

Our friends' tearful good-byes to 

their residential freshmen.

We all drive in together

and the commute and routine

has a new meaning

just not quite sure what it might be yet