the whole bit of human beings - Jelisa Gonzalez

We stare out 

at the bodies of water 

and trees without their leaves 

remembering the simplicities of nature

We exchange livelihoods 

where we’re from 

our experiences 

our wisdoms 

We carve out the time

for energies 

synchronous 

as they are binary

divulged in a collective moment 

We illuminate perception 

with humor 

intersecting our

imminent bond

I trace the curves 

of the mountain with the corner of my eye

as the sun’s gleam 

is almost put to rest 

The water of the river 

not blue 

but reflects as white and black

reminiscent of my sophomore year 

popcorn ceiling 

We’ve taken the time 

I write

She reads 

Together in front faced seating 

less worded exchange

more silent interconnectedness 

---

Jelisa Gonzalez is a current English Major in the BA/MA program at UAlbany. She has previously been published in the past two editions of ARCH. She loves the community of creative writers that ARCH brings together and allows the space to be free in their process. In her spare time she loves to read, listen to music, and spend time with her friends.