Felt better
Emily Sarria ‘27
My work focuses on a story I'm writing, that I hope to someday publish as a graphic novel. I created this piece to rediscover my love for this story, in a medium that makes me excited to make art. When I'm feeling tired of just drawing or painting, I'll choose to make an art piece that is more crafty to take a break from the art I'd normally make and have fun.
Imitation of Ada Limon's "The Conditional"
Once there was a time that was our last.
Once the bathtub stopped bubbling.
Once the rubber ducks became report cards.
Once the playground turned bleak.
Once the mac and cheese went cold.
Once play dates changed to hang outs.
Once the halloween candy basket was empty.
Once the tooth fairy never came back.
Once, the children stopped: laughing
loudly, smiling like their little babydolls, bursting
with joy, faces sparkling. Once we never said goodbye. Never again.
Once we left and never came back, staring
at the memories, eyes glowing,
perfect with innocence, losing ourselves with age.
Once, we were young. Once, all we needed was
love. Once we'd look back and think: those were the days,
always forever, and never at the same time.
Filipa Bozzetto ‘30
I was inspired by Ada Limon's style of writing and wanted to replicate its use of poetic devices to create this poem about the loss of childhood as we grow. When writing this, I was able to gain an additional appreciation for how I grew up. Looking back on those moments felt bittersweet, which led to the tone that I wanted to portray. This poem is meant to feel nostalgic and slightly heartbreaking as well since it explores the joys of childhood that usually never come back.