the last day of school

he who returns from the journey
is not the same as he who left
-chinese proverb


it feels like the last day of school.

the sun shines, drawing people outside to marvel at the ocean. sundresses and nice shirts are the outfit of choice; as if the small effort to dress up makes the day a little more special.

bags are stuffed to the brim, overflowing with memories from the world around. the dress from spain, the scarves from india, the embroidery from guatemala. lining the hallways, the ship seems smaller, making it not only difficult to walk but difficult to grasp the concept of the end.

a break from traditional routines, one last assembly. special meals and snacks are prepared; its as if we are having our class picnic. the decks will be crowded tonight, as everyone tries to take in just one last sunset, to relish the ocean's breeze and to breathe in the salt air.

cameras are everywhere, trying to take in every last image. pictures may be worth a thousand words, though a thousand words may never adequately describe the emotions coursing through ship, like caffeine running through the veins.

a sense of finality; this is it. a nervous energy, trepidation, anticipation. determined not to leave eachothers sides, clusters of friends move from space to space, finding it hard to acknowledge the reality of tomorrow.

108 days spent together is not many in the course of a lifetime; though for all of the experiences and time spent together, one would think we've always been here. the ease of interactions, the unspoken understanding.

our minds are full, our bags overflowing, hearts bursting; the thrill of the summer ahead & seeing those from home is nearly overshadowed by a cloud of uncertainty; when will we see each other again? how are we supposed to describe this experience to others?

when words, photos, and anecdotes fail, how will we share our stories?