- Yearbook
Inklings Fall 2022: Messages
In this issue, our writers explore the varying messages that come to us throughout our everyday lives. From the rustling of leaves and buzzing of bees to chirping birds and even the words and actions of those around us, we can gather subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) messages about who, where, and what we are and will become. These pieces celebrate those messages--even the ones that are not entirely expected or welcomed.
Bee's Nest
My head is like a bee’s nest,
always buzzing and never silent,
it has its own buzz to it though,
more like...
"remember"
"remember"
"remember"
the words that have been on repeat in my own mind at night,
on my bad days,
they yell at you,
"he's coming"
"he's back"
"he's here"
the thoughts have impacted my life,
causing me to change who I am,
changing my personality as well,
but my bee’s nest is still the exact same,
you can't run away from the nest nor the bees themselves.
The Man Who Discovered the Universe (pt. 1)
The Man Who Discovered the Universe
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Terrence Mill was born in a small town in Oklahoma on August 3, 2079. His mother was Jessica Mill and his father Rob Mill. This young boy was raised the same way as any other child, but he had a potential that was greater than that of any of the great minds before him. Once this child reached his potential, he would lead humanity farther than ever thought possible.
Terrence was raised just like any other child would be. He was taught manners, respect, and honesty, which later would play a vital role in his life story. Terrence was seen as just another normal child. The only difference his parents noticed was that Terrence seemed to learn words very quickly, but never seemed to like talking. Jessica would get worried, and Rob would comfort her saying, “He’s probably just shy. He’ll grow out of it eventually."
The problem is that Terrence never grew out of it. At daycare, instead of making friends, Terrence would sit in the corner and read. His teacher always thought Terrence couldn’t understand the types of books he got because of how fast he would turn the page. She thought he was trying to understand what was happening and would turn the page after he gave up. Instead, Terrence was just an extremely fast reader. He would get so into his book he wouldn’t even notice his mother calling him so they could go home.
Rob worked as a travel agent at the Spaceport in Oklahoma City, about an hour away from home, while Jessica was a teacher at the local high school. Jessica was worried about Terrence. “He’s different, Rob. I don’t know what we should do, he still doesn’t have any friends, and I feel bad for the poor kid.”
Rob replied, “It’s ok Jess. He’s happy reading, we’re all different. He just likes reading more than talking. If it will help you feel better, I’ll take him to the park tomorrow and maybe find another boy for him to connect with."
Terrence enjoyed playing at the park with his father but did not find any other kids to be friends with. “Dad, I don’t need friends. I can read, and if I want to talk to someone I have you and mom.”
Rob thought for a few seconds, then responded, “I know son, and we will always be here for you, but wouldn’t you like to have some friends your own age?” Rob kept trying to convince Terrence to at least try to find a friend, but Terrence kept refusing, saying he didn’t see the point because everyone his age was dumb.
Rob and Jessica kept trying to find their son somebody he could talk to, but never found any luck. As Terrence began elementary school, his parents were hoping there would be someone in his class that he would become friends with. To their disappointment, he still did not make any friends. There was a difference in Terrence’s mood when school started though, he wasn’t as happy as he had been in his daycare.
At first, they thought nothing of it, but when the school brought it to their attention, they couldn’t pretend anymore. They received a phone call from the school saying that Terrence was very bored in class. When the class was learning, Terrence wouldn’t pay attention or take part in any class activities. He somehow knew the answers to everything the class learned though, despite not paying any attention.
The example used was where the class had a contest to see who could add up the first 100 digits the fastest. About five seconds after the competition started, Terrence said he was done. Obviously, nobody believed him, and the teacher told the rest of the class to keep working.
Terrence got upset and yelled, “All of you are stupid, it’s obviously 5,050!” His teacher was surprised he gave a numerical answer and used her calculator to check his answer. The class was interested to see what the actual answer was, and were all surprised when the teacher said, “He’s actually right.”
When asked how he did it, Terrence said proudly, “It’s a basic rule of summation that I learned when I was reading about Gauss. You take the digit you’re adding up to, multiply it by 1 above that and divide by 2.” Everyone in the room was taken aback. Finally, his teacher said, “Multiplication and division are 3rd grade topics, and the summation formula you’re referring to won’t be seen until Algebra 2.” Terrence smirked and said, “Guess I’m too smart for all of you then.” A glare from his teacher found him on his way to the principal’s office.
-A. Bennett
Wheat in the Corn Field
For I am the dullest of all, but receive numerous sun beams.
The corn stands over me, as they yearn for sunlight.
I can give nothing, they stand too close to me.
The wind invades my thoughts, and causes my lack of presence.
I want the sun to stay, as I fear the glowing crescents.
The breeze makes me dance, to become more appeasing.
But soon the wind had left, as it was only teasing.
The sun lay upon the sky, as beautiful as ever.
However, my weaknesses hide in my ever-growing shadow.
When I try to reveal it, the sun doesn’t bat an eye, but instead observes my strengths.
The sun doesn’t seek the trees.
The sun can see the corn.
Yet the sun still yearns for me.
-P. Tabor
Silently Sound
It’s quiet chirps sing like a bird of peace.
Its heartfelt song brings happiness to one’s mind.
The sound is alive. Its heartbeat is swift, but beautiful.
Like a constant state of serenity.
It speaks with power, but it’s gentle nonetheless.
How elegant something in isolation can be.
-P. Tabor