Twas the night before Welcome Weekend, when all through Court Street; many of bobcats were out for a Thirsty Thursday deal you can’t beat.
Seniors fill the bars and to one another they raise a glass; in disbelief they say “cheers” to not another year at hOUme, but their last.
Juniors get through the bouncers with real IDs after finally turning 21; bringing their undergrad years to an end, their time at OU is just half way done.
While Sophomores lie in bed at home miles and miles away; far too excited to sleep thinking about returning to Athens the next day.
Now freshmen, too, lie their heads to rest in their childhood rooms one last time; too nervous to sleep with the thought of college running through their minds.
When the clock strikes 2, students take the last rounds of shots of Jack and Jose’; then off to Big Mamas or Good Fellas to help with the hangover that is to come the next day.
The bartenders, bouncers, and bar backs all head home, tucking themselves in tight; resting for the wave of people and one busy shift that’s to come tomorrow night.
OUPD takes one more cruise around campus having nothing to discover; while other cops stay home getting into character as the role of an undercover.
RA’s in resident halls finish decorating bulletin boards and making name tags for each door; 1 for each single, 2 for each double, and for quads, they make 4.
Every dorm room sits vacant and as quiet as could be; the AC unit off, mini fridge unplugged, not one sound, not one peep.
The frat and sorority houses line up on N College standing one by one, and each active Greek member is sleeping tight now that work week is done.
But not the residents on Mill, Palmer, High, and all the rest; still awake they prepare their houses for battle to see whose Welcome Weekend party will be the best.
The pong tables are set up and the red solos are stacked high; with kegs and 30-racks by the hundreds just in case Waka Flocka decides to stops by.
Coolers full of fruit soaking in Shitty, Malibu, and Goose; come tomorrow add some minute maid and ice for the ultimate jungle juice.
The campus soon goes quiet and everything stands still; Baker, Ellis, Alden, Schoon, and the top of both Morton and Jeff Hill.
In South, West, and East Green not even the sharpest of ears could hear a sound; for at this point Athens, Ohio might as well be considered a ghost town.
The air is crisp this late August night, a sign that the end of summer is near; but have no worries because fall in Athens is the best time of the year
The clock strikes 4am and all bobcats lie snoozing in their beds; cozy, comfy, and cuddled up having dreams of Welcome Weekend playing in their heads.
For this weekend starts a year of tradition, something which we can never hide; it’s not just the start of school, but a celebration for bobcats coming from far and wide.
The cars will pull in and begin to unload while parents dread the good-bye before leaving, but don’t cry, be happy; for your kid is a new member the bobcat family is receiving
For it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what major, or degree you’re going for; No matter your gender, sexual orientation, or political view, there’s always room for more.
With that being said the university welcomes you; the Colleges of Business, Education, Scripps, and all the rest. For this weekend is not just a party, it’s a way to wish all bobcats the best.
Come Sunday, bobkittens become official walking through college gate and vowing to follow the quote above; “So enter that daily thou mayest grow in knowledge wisdom and love.”
You will be a college student, I know it’s scary but have no fear; a familiar face, Jenny Hall Jones will stand to say, “Welcome to Ohio University, we’re happy to have you here."
