Odegaard (05/04/2007)

this is my Ode to learning
of four years of brain cells on a high string
the stench of frustration seeping down my skin
and eyes, burned by interrogating white lights
easing me off to sleep
on repeat for ten weeks
chasing after words that remain concrete
day in and night out
savoring the pages of what history is all about
winners write them, some say
losers regurgitate and internalize
but i verbalize in my ancestors' language
i write THIS story, i make words come to life

a student's life is anything but predictable
as long as you're able, you make the trip
ecstatic when you find a table
an outlet nearby is a definite treasure
bring your own extension, 25 foot across the carpet floor
as it winds through feet, like the road to Hana
or Kama'ole beaches on Maui, envisioning waves lapping at your feet
instead 3 to 4 hours of your life are spent studying
waiting for the sunrise, to have jack-in-the-box at 6
fueled by tequila sunrises in nalgene bottles,
shot after shot of expresso,
triple venti soy caramel machiatto,
full on laughters, snickers, and inside jokes,
crossword puzzles, nintendo ds lite, and deep talks

and to folks:
this library is anything but the ordinary
though your purpose is to study, seriously
you live and learn best when you're here with buddies.