Blue Basin

Arden Gifford

Arden Gifford

I never thought that I could be so ill-mannered nor so bitter. I had my satisfaction and relief but that did not stop me from being carried away beyond my walls. How cold they must have been and surely had to be further enabled. There has always been a lack of understanding, and he would never deal with me with patients often wavering any sense of adoration. It is no question then why I had to get away from the familiar comfort of my private spiraling purgatory. 
Such an odd, cold room. The small window graces me with a thin streak of light that sorrowfully dances across the walls. It is such a pitiful dance, one that never gives you the relief of ending or joy of beauty even when it is shadowed with the coming of rain. It only concerns me as another bar like it is making fun of me projected on the walls. It is dreadfully dull, although, I am still unsure why the walls never seem to meet but still contain me. A large basin is accompanied with a pump that weeps when it needs to work. The basin rises from the floor curling up to create a smooth edge quickly plummeting down to a vast reservoir that can hold an effective amount. The basin is a murky blue that embodies the air I so wish to embrace me. The curves glint briefly before the sun leaves it bathed in all its dark hues like a glimpse of any night sky. Encompassing the edge, a thin white brim wraps around its body as if honoring it with a thin eroding crown.  
Filling and draining the basin is the only action that really takes place in my existence. While filled to the brim the basin becomes a natural wonder that could attract any spectator to its beauty as the spout acts as its waterfall. This corner seems rather out of place, taken out of a peaceful scene to be scrapped in this room. When I was a girl, when he did not know me, I was well acquainted with a peaceful place. Through a thicket I would reach a small dam where I would sit on a fossil filled rock by the river shore. This basin is the closest thing to that place I have never found again where I used to collect the common yarrows, garden celandines, and hairy buttercups. I cannot help but feel like I can wake up in that hazed world again with a stronger feeling that I have not known since. 
Yet I open my eyes, and I am still in my constrictively vast room. Leaving basin's fate only that of washing my face and hands. However, I feel that soon the beauty of this basin will bring me back to that memory. One that cannot change nor disappoint. That contains no ugliness, no shame, no sorrow, and where understanding awaits. Met by the everchanging currents of the stream where I never had a chance to see my reflection or swim. 

A Bronco Story. Submissions are from the Western Michigan University community.

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