View 1: Student on the way to the Bodleian Library (down Parks Road)
I breathe in the crystal thin morning air
Fresh breeze and shy sunshine by layer
The grey sky above is a slate wiped clean
It inspires thought and jolly adventure
Down the lane, all the brick houses peer
Through windows that glimmer with cheer
My boots crunch the carpet of gold, dried leaves
Which breaks the suspended still
I’m at the main road just as the world stirs
The bicycles clack while the cars go whir
Then the rain starts to fall, slowly at first
Painting stones with a dotted pattern
Cobblestones flow ahead, moist and smooth
To their own rhythm they ebb and move
The world seems cloaked in a misty silver
And against it, all colors shine truer
The ivy flashes like an emerald jewel
The trees pose vividly, red and gold duel.
And then, at the end of this shadowy road
Are libraries, so full of historical allure.
The buildings hold their stances proud
Ripe with age, they seem to say aloud:
“Enter these doors as so many before,
May a plethora of wisdom abound.”
View 2: Older Woman walking in University Parks
Her legs might not be young, but her eyes still shine with the light of a youthful soul. She walks along the pathway, taking in every aspect of the golden autumn afternoon with a slow upward tilt of her head. The trees about her rustle and shake their golden heads in merriment. The pond gently ripples in the afternoon light, quivering with reflection of the surrounding greenery. The air is fresh and sweet with the smell of cinnamon and apples and wood smoke.
Her cane falters over the slight rolls in the grass, prodding the soft ground before she trusts it. She slowly moves towards her favorite bench tucked under a banner of orange and red trees. She knows all the shadowy hollows, every hidden path in these parks. She’s rambled through them dozens of times in every kind of weather. Today, the air shimmers crisp and clear, and she can see perfectly in every direction. Fields of green are dotted with dandelions and the spires of Oxford rise magnificently above the trees. A small sigh of contentment escapes her lips as she sinks carefully onto the hard wood of the bench. The warm sun tingles delightfully on her back as the warmth mixes playfully with the cooler breeze.
A squeal breaks through the quiet and a young boy scampers down towards the water at full speed. His small legs can barely keep up with his energy. Right at his heals comes his mother, juggling his coat, hat, scarves, and gloves. Laughing merrily at his enthusiasm, she warns him to keep clear of the cold water. He still gets dangerously close to the edge, throwing bread crumbs viscously at the lazy ducks. They cackle at him noisily and his high giggle peels across the water. The old woman smiles a slow, sure smile that lights up her face. The wrinkles around her eyes are evidence of years full of that same smile.
When the mother and son sit down to a picnic, the afternoon once again turns tranquil. The trees still whisper and the ducks continue to chat, but the old woman can hear the distant bell chime two o’clock. The mellow sunlight through the trees creates a kaleidoscope of dappled shadows. It’s a perfect autumn afternoon. In utter peace, the old woman’s head droops slightly as she nods off into a contented sleep.
View 3: Dialogue (One-Sided) of a woman walking down Cornmarket Street with a friend
“Goodness! It’s so busy down on Cornmarket tonight! Look at that mob! Such an awful lot of heads bobbing about. Just look at that, dear! Why’d Susanne choose this pub again? Oh yes, that’s right. We like this one. Very cozy, great wine selection. Yes, yes I do remember now. We should hurry so she won’t be waiting on us. Whew, feel that wind. The minute the sun starts going down it does get chilly doesn’t it? I’m so glad I got my raincoat. It looks like we might see a little rain later...Oh! Oh my goodness! That boy almost got ran over by that car! Scared me half to death! Those bicyclists take their own life into their hands, that’s for certain. I would not want to witness that collision. It’s just so hectic around here, how do these drivers stop from killing people on their way home? Yes, yes I suppose you’re right. One becomes good at anything if they do it enough. This crosswalk is certainly taking forever to turn green. Oh, here we go! Come along dear, don’t get lost in the crowd. I do hope that Jim puts the kiddies to bed on time, they have school tomorrow, you know. Will you look at those scarves! Such bright, beautiful colors, aren’t they? I know, I love them too. I have a positive weakness for them actually. They’re such a temptation when they are sold right on the street. I’ve bought...well I won’t tell you how many scarves I own. It’s a ridiculous amount I assure you. Oh, listen to that guitar. It’s a nice little tune actually. Some of the street performers along here are quite odd. Yes, I’ve seen the dancer as well. It does add color the city, I’ll give you that. Have you seen the violinist who plays on a tight rope? It’s really the craziest thing…
No thank you sir, not tonight. What even is a Big Issue, dear? Do you know? Well yes, I see. Come along, dear. We’re almost there. Look at that group of kids, just hanging around that bench. I hope that girl isn’t smoking, though I wouldn’t be surprised. Yes, she is! I could smell it as we walked by. Not good for her poor lungs. It almost looks like we are smoking too; it’s cold enough to see your breath in front of you. Excuse us, excuse us! Sometimes you have to push a bit, you know? Oh finally, here we are at last! I’m so looking forward to a cozy, full, warm room to relax in. Look, I see Susanne ordering her merlot at the bar. Come along, dear.
