Resistance

By Ron Hickerson

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Lately, I've resisted going outside.
It must be my bad chemicals. When my 
Brain ceases to produce or process its 
Feel-good juices, I stop wanting to do
The things that give me life and hide behind 
My excuses and self-condemnation instead. 
Let's go for a walk. It's too hot outside.
Have you drunk water? I’d rather lie down.
Have you eaten? Everything sounds so gross.
Have you made any art? What is the point?

The point is this: a greater force acts on
Me, an object at rest, and I walk in 
The woods with my girls and explore the creek 
Behind our house. We wade in the water 
Until we're soaked and laugh as we splash and 
Squelch in our rubber shoes. I look up at 
The trees rippling with light from the creek 
Reflecting sunlight. And the trees can't get 
Enough of it –- drunk on water and sun.
And I can't get enough of it, either.​

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​Ron Hickerson helps college students navigate the murky waters of academia. When he's not advising, you can find him wandering the campus, looking for the oldest trees or writing at his desk. His work has been published in the Clayjar Review. 

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