A sea of red chants, magnifying their voices to be heard beyond the skies. I am in mid-air, soaring above their waving commotion, watching as their fists pump upward toward me. There is red pride in the grips of their mitts and honor in their hearts and my wings do not flap fast enough to show my excitement at this altitude. Overhead, I ascend above them, capturing an entire experience from a bird’s eye view.
The celebratory week of Homecoming at Saginaw Valley begins in an eruption of cheers and shouts. Their exhilaration is not caged; it is free to echo amongst each other at the start of kickoff. I wish to sing the tune they carry so sweetly — I fly above them, wondering how it goes.
“SV”…”SU” is repeated in a chorus and I hum it gently, catching onto the various dialects and tones carried out by the mass of red.
I then fly into the Ryder Center and descend near the volleyball nets and swoop around the courts, circling around the groups of men awaiting the start of ‘Macho Volleyball’. I perch myself on a nearby post and think to myself “I could get used to this” as the men positioned themselves on the court. The rowdy teams remain fierce and dedicated to winning for their organization. Silently, I root for them all — not picking a favorite.
Taking flight again, I wonder if I have traveled back in time as I land and perch myself on top of a fashion show stage, catching glimpses of other decades pass beneath me. Laughter roars from the audience as each time traveler struts down the catwalk. As I noticing the dramatic poses and dance moves at the end of each individual's walk, I cover my beak with my feathers, trying to cover the sound of my giggles.
Suddenly, the sound of “Let’s Get It Started” by the Black Eyed Peas booms from the stereo speakers, alerting me to look directly at the multitude of colorful, flashing lights. A young female dancer performs downstage left before young, talented men swarm to the center stage, dancing to various music artists of the 2000s.
A record scratches and the music style is altered as well as group appearances. The audience and I are in awe as more talented SVSU performers evoke happiness and cackles amongst the crowds. The tempo switches from headbanging to arm swaying and “Wouldn’t it be Nice” by The Beach Boys starts to play. I think to myself, "If only I too had arms to sway".
Instead, I use my wings to fly over to Student Life and gaze over the abundant fabric material, wondering if it is as soft as my feathers. I watch as crafting hands mend the materials and tie the fabrics on top of each other, creating blankets for the Linus project. In each knot, securing the cloths together, I see their willingness and admire their stride in helping others.
The celebratory week of Homecoming at Saginaw Valley comes to an end in an eruption of cheers and shouts at a 5 a.m. spirit competition. Bleachers in SVSU's gym are jam-packed as a television station films the intensity of pride and excitement the students have for their university in the morning hours.
I, still asleep, am awaken by their noise -- wondering how they have the energy to chant so early and so loud. Yet, their liveliness is contagious and soon, I am again singing the tune they so proudly sing.
"SV"..."SU". It is sweet to my ears as the crowds gather that afternoon to watch the powderpuff football teams play. The fields rumble as groups of women run back and forth, scoring points for their team. I fly out of sight so the spiraling football does not come near me. In this, I chuckle, rushing with adrenaline and feeling like I am a part of the team.
By Saturday, Homecoming at Saginaw Valley has finally arrived and I am exhausted from my journey. The students, however, do not rest and stand on top of floats, waving to overjoyed and anxious throngs of people. The rain does not stop and they do not let it stop them. Still, they continue to tailgate, go to the football game, and crown their Homecoming King and Queen despite the overcast of darkening weather, for the lights in their heart shine brighter than any forecast, illuminating from their pride and joy for their school.
I watch mid-air as a sea of red chants, magnifying their voices to be heard beyond the skies. "SV"..."SU"..."CARDINALS". Wait, did they say they are cardinals? Oh, I am too!
Overhead, I ascend above them, having captured an entire experience from a bird’s eye view.
