Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - Demo - (Page 23)

My Lemonade Forever by April Xiong In recent years, I’ve noticed, staring out my window At the shimmering landscape I used to know so well— The sun is a little brighter now The burning sea rises a little higher. During their work on the sea turtle conservation project, students cleared the beaches to allow for safe nesting. are made of local wood and have palm thatch roofs woven tightly enough to keep out water and mosquitoes. The Bribri know how to take care of the land and its resources so that they can take care of themselves. They’ve been doing it for centuries. We left the Bribri village for the next leg of our journey: a homestay with native Costa Rican farming families. The homes we stayed in were made of wood with small cut-out windows, and we slept on sheets over the dirt floor. By American standards, these families lived in poverty, yet through trade, farming, and communal living, they built lives that they were proud to share with us. It was a life-changing experience to observe the simplicity of daily life and to witness the peace and happiness that grew from it. I’d heard the expression “less is more.” During this homestay, I saw what it means. We were there to learn, but we also had time to enjoy Costa Rica’s beautiful countryside. Our group went white water rafting, crossed rivers on foot, and traveled from hill to hill on zip lines. Coming from the extravagance and bustle of New York, we were awed by the scenery we explored. I started thinking that maybe the stress we have in our lives we have created ourselves. As Americans living in such an advanced age, we take for granted the gifts of the natural world. Spending two weeks in Costa Rica made me feel reconnected to the nature around and within me. i Andrew Becker is a freshman at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, NY, where he is a member of the cross country, debate, and baseball teams. Andrew is an avid Yankees fan and has a strong interest in sports and comedy. March/April 2008 I see oceans, sandy beaches, the blue-orange of A magnificent sky— The torrid lights of a thousand quiescent cities, Our endless smoke lilting in the freesia air. Does spring come a little earlier now? Is winter a little shorter Now? The silent snow falling, whirling, drifting, shriveling White like the gray of a broken face. At night when the moon shines red, the melancholy howling of the dying Wind disturbs my restless sleep— I dream with my eyes closed to the incomplete darkness, Imagining a glorious world, one that is perpetually— Eternally mine. Live without regrets, they say— This world might not last forever. And I do not cry for what could be lost but Will my children weep, as I have not? April Xiong is a sophomore at Jericho High School on Long Island, NY. She likes reading, writing, playing the piano, fencing, and generally having fun. The answer is always 42. This poem won first place in Cogito.org’s first poetry contest, for which publication in Imagine was part of the prize. We are pleased to share this poem with Imagine’s readers as we extend our congratulations to April! imagine 2

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - Demo

Imagine Magazine - March/April 2008 Contents Letters Big Problems Big Picture In My Own Words Putting E-Waste in Its Place Big Juice Making Waves What Does "Green" Mean? Into the Woods Swimming with Whale Sharks Crash Course in Costa Rica Selected Opportunities & Resources Hooked on Logistics Off the Shelf Word Wise Middle Ground One Step Ahead Exploring Career Options Planning Ahead for College Students Review Creative Minds Imagine Sudoku Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - Demo

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