910 Billion and Counting - Jake Thompson

910 billion and counting.
Machine guns mounting
Bullets screech and tear
Leaving bones of the wounded bare
As a ruthless zealot speeds down the street
Hundreds of innocent civilians meet they’re defeat
And who cares, we care
We care to stop the ruthless zealot running down the street
And to prevent civilians from meeting their defeat
To stop leaving bones of the wounded bare
To stop the bullets that screech and tear

Just for this one day, to some the idea seems queer
But for the violence just for one day, to just disappear

For violence is a disease
That doesn’t go with ease
For we need to act as one
For the damage to be undone

Hi, Baby. - Ivy Sienkiewycz

Hi, Baby.

This is just to tell you that I am stronger than the coffee in front of me.

I am stronger than dark roast

and you

you are sweet as dripping honey comb.

I can see the dark golden substance swimming in your eyes

and even when they close

a few stray drops manage to escape

sticking to cheeks

eyelashes

lips.

This is just to tell you that I am stronger than my reflection.

I am stronger than this glass mirror

and you

you are sweet as a kiss on the cheek.

I can see myself in your eyes

and even when they close

I can still feel my presence on your face

lingering on cheeks

eyelashes

lips.

Baby.

This is just to tell you

that you

you make me stronger.

Canoe Trip at Stillwater Reservoir

On Tuesday morning(9/22) Walden students set off on a three hour bus ride to Stillwater Reservoir in the Adirondacks. A little rain didn't set us back as we loaded up the ten canoes that we had rented. The group was split up into two smaller groups. Group one set off first en route to the other end of the reservoir, while group two only went half as far. Unfortunately from this point on I can only report on group one as I was not a part of groups two's adventures.

Day 1: We were supposed to camp at site #26 but instead we found a large beach close by which we claimed as our camp spot. After setting up tents and tarps, wood was collected for a fire and dinner was started. Dinner was a delicious mix of mac & cheese with hot dogs. As it grew darker we pimped the fire and told scary stories.

Day 2: The night before we figured out that we had the other groups hot dogs and they had our bread. So early in the morning Matt and Ephraim set out on a recon mission to trade hot dogs for bread. After we set out for a leisurely paddle up to where the reservoir turns into a river. On our way back the winds picked up and made it difficult for us to return. When we finally made it back we saw the other group coming up the reservoir. They stopped to talk to us which was not a smart choice on their part for soon after it began to down pour. As we huddled in our tents and kept fairly dry, group two was forced to paddle to their next camping spot in the heavy rain. Instead of breaking camp and finding a new spot to camp we decided to stay another night in the same place. The rain came and went all night. We happily ate pesto pasta for dinner and after sweated it all out in the sauna that we built.

Day 3: On the only sunny day we got an early start, packed up all of our gear and paddled into Big Burnt Lake and ate what ever snack and lunch food were left in the coolers. We then took a walk up to Salmon Lake. We arrived at our final campsite quite late and prepared to eat burritos for dinner when we realized that we didn't have any tortillas. Instead we had to mix up what ever was left in the coolers in a pot and call it good. Because everyone's tents were wet and sandy, everyone slept under the stars which were actually out. There were even a few shooting stars.

Day 4: We woke up to more clouds and dew covering our sleeping bags. It was 7 AM and everyone was packing up and eating their one entitled pop tart. By 7:30 we were on our way back to the bus. There was a slight drizzle but we had the wind to our backs and made it in good time. Free hot chocolate and coffee when we arrived. Everyone made it back in good condition and were happy to be on their way home.

Kate Greenstreet

On September 15 Kate Greenstreet, a published poet from New Jersey, stopped by the Willowell land in Monkton, VT to share her poetry and talk with the Walden students. She read poems from her chapbook, Learning the Language, and her new book, The Last 4 Things.

Welcome to the Walden blog!

Woohoo! Finally a place for everyone to be updated and informed of the happenings at Walden!

The temperature has begun to drop and the leaves are changing colors. Recently Walden students have begun to haul firewood, prepare the shelter for cold winter days, and prep garden beds for lots of garlic to come.

On Tuesday the 22 we will leave for our four day canoe trip at Still Water Reservoir(http://www.stillwaterreservoir.com/). Look for pictures when we return!