By Justin McCarty
Justin is studying psychology and cognitive science at the University of Delaware in the United States. For this semester, he decided to do a study abroad here at AIU in order to practice his Japanese language skills. He also came to get a break from the regular work he had been doing and learn more about himself and the world around him.
The pieces that will be shown on this webpage are a demonstration of his introspection during his stay at AIU and the thoughts and observations that came along with it. The main focus of this project was nature, as he spent a lot of time walking around AIU campus taking photos and observing the nature around him, and then reflecting this off of the mood that was being felt at the time.
Justin is an aspiring amateur writer that focuses on world building and science fiction writing. This semester, though, was spent refining many of the concepts taught through his creative writing class, which will be displayed here through these poems.
Hibernate
Today I hibernate.
My relationships became cold.
Enough meals to leave me alone.
I will sleep till spring.
The others, I do not know.
If they are sufficiently satiated.
They continue to scrounge,
Looking for more to say.
I used to be the same,
but their hunger never subsided;
It was uncomfortable,
not knowing if they willingly confided
their secret stashes to me.
But that is ok,
It is time to isolate.
From the world.
From the others.
Therefore I do them a favor; to hibernate first.
I allow their scourge to subside.
Enough to last till spring.
Enough till we meet again.
Little Bird
Oh, little bird.
Poor little bird.
What has led you to this sorry state?
Me watching here, though it is too late.
You frail, frantic
Rise and fall of breast
Unable to stand up straight
Unable to fly away
Wings more like limbs
Feathers of dust
The only future for this little one is none
succumbing to this vile world
By chance we encounter
Scratching pavement alerting my attention
Subtle chirps, cries for help
Yet I am the only one to answer
This feeling…
knowing the fate…
Knowing that once I'm gone no one else will come…
leaves me conflicted about this little bird…
The Book Forest
The place where the blessed trees asunder,
was of peace and serenity;
the smell of spruce.
Said place of sanctuary.
Rows and columns of ancient trees,
their final resting place.
Felled for knowledge
by none the wiser.
Light falls between the limbs,
flapping leaves, cool air.
Picturesque,
yet none dare disturb the silence.
Know thyself,
meditating in this place.
Focus tested,
learning for another day.
A never sleeping space.
A facsimile;
the smell of spruce.
A place of sanctuary.
All Photos taken by Justin