End of summer
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Feelings Of Summer's End

Why does September feel so melancholy?

11876
The Feelings Of Summer's End
Peter Carellini

Today, I sat in my fishing buddy's small rowboat, drifting on the surface of the Walkill River, leaned back, and felt so content I nearly fell asleep. I opened my eyes, in awe of a gorgeous cotton candy-colored sky moving along like a painting. One tiny little detail I noticed: the sun was beginning to set.

No, literally. It's been setting earlier. I wasn't being overdramatic, y'all know me. I'm only like that when I'm very serious.

August is such a melancholy month. It'll probably take on a new layer of melancholy for me, seeing as I'm usually preparing to go back to school. Nope, not this year! Gets you thinking, doesn't it? Don't worry, this isn't me discussing my education departure, you've heard enough of that from me...for now. I'll probably do something come September when I'm struggling for an idea at 11:40 and decide to pick up on that thread.

Why does the end of summer come with an underlying sadness? I mean, who doesn't love fall? Warm leaves! Gentle winds! Ideal temperatures for enjoying anything outside! And the promise of change - it's hard not to be romantic about the upcoming season. Hell, it's my favorite one of 'em all.

Is it because here, we're reminded that things do end, from nature herself? The sun sets, leaves die, the days grow short, and the world grows colder. Is there any more of a bitter reminder than that of our environment? Sure, it's cyclical, but cycles do include endings no matter what. Look at a tree as it sheds its leaves and becomes nothing but a structure of bark and empty branches. If you listen quietly on a crisp autumn night, you can almost hear the world whisper "See you soon." Or have I been drinking too many hard ciders? Everything pops to vibrant life in summer, it seems. Just the word itself suggests endless fun.

Is it because summer has always been the promise of adventure, the time where we can break free of most commitments, and leap into voyages all over? September is often synonymous with the end of fun, as school begins and beaches close. It's easy to feel invulnerable, running through fields and jumping into water with no visible sign of nightfall. You can climb a mountain and feel the sun beat your chest, a challenge to conquer all you see.

Is it because perhaps scientifically (I'm totally spitballing here) the approach of coldness calms us down? Our bodies don't feel so jumped up with tremendous heat, and so our more rational, calmer sides take over? We know winter is around the corner, and so we begin to relax as we know it won't be long until we're trudging through blizzards. That could be it!

Who knows? It could be something bigger and cosmic, some sort of mystic pull we feel. Likened to the oft misery of January, or the elated joy of June. Could those zodiac folks be onto something?

Or, could just be the fact that at this point, everyone's like, really tired of humidity and sweatiness. Dude, I can't wait not to sweat. I mean, I will, cause I'm naturally sweaty, but still.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42649
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26770
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951836
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

139979
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments