Week 1: A Moment of Solitude

On January 21st, I drove to Hillcrest Park in Fullerton, just about 15 minutes from Biola. This was the first time I ever visited the park, so this was special, especially since this place was the start of my weekly practices. I had my camera, my lenses, and my notebooks. I was by myself at this park just an hour before sunset.

It was challenging to stay off the phone for at least 10 minutes without feeling nervous and anxious about what my friends are doing. I've been dealing with anxiety and concerns about my life and my future, and and it gets worse when I'm on social media for too long. So I felt the need to put my phone on airplane mode, first is so I can keep track on time, but also keep myself from using my phone. It's just me, my writings, my camera, and God. This is me telling stories through what I love.

It's challenging to stay quiet, not verbally, but mentally. I am an overthinker. For instance, I thought if I was the sunset doing its job, my life would mean something. I guess what these poems are about is the struggle in this day and age to stop, shut up, and stand still.

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“Dusk and Dawn”

Dusk has come once more -

The flares have lost its brightness!

I must live ‘till dawn.

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“Hidden”

See through my photos

The hidden colors of life

And pale, painful tales.

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“Patience”

I shall sit and wait

By the benches until you

Speak on your behalf.

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“The Setting Sun”

I have seen the sun setting down to rest -

The final stage for its flares to shine bright.

I have foreseen the light fading down west,

As the luminous clock rises at night.

I have felt the wind’s gale with my cold heart,

As the chilly breeze crawls under my skin.

I have noticed the sky - a work of art,

Though I am wondering, “What could’ve been.”

I have seen Snoopy’s playground far from here -

Like the trees, his tower stands firm and still;

Oh I wish to be stronger than my fears -

I hope to be the city on this hill.

Though the sun sets from the west like before,

The bright dawn will rise from the east once more.