Louisiana State University - Gumbo Yearbook (Baton Rouge, LA)

Page 68 text:

Mann I hear the drizzle of the rain Like a memory it falls Soft and warm, continuing Tapping on ' my roof and walls Paul Simon Rain is an emotional thing. In the South, it is a weekly, and sometimes daily, visitor. The misty, muggy drops that either fall gently and car- ess your hair and cheeks depending on who you are and where you hap- pen to be. To wake up on a lazy Saturday mid-morning and hear the swish- ing, almost singing sound of rain is a blessing, pure and simple. One sinks back into the soft, warm pro- tection of bed and lets the rain hum him softly back to sleep -- lulling, soothing, sweet, sweet rain! But to hear an alarm clock buzz rudely in one ' s ear, to stumble onto a hard floor, the mind already recoiling in half-awake revolt against a day full of tests, droning lectures, part-time jobs, and the endless details of a daily routine - and to hear what? Rain. Rain! It will cause an instant shock of full awareness of what ' s ahead: wet shoes and pant legs (for what decent, self-respecting person wears galoshes anymore?); hair that is Camacho 64 Student Life

Page 67 text:

Student Life 63

Page 69 text:

sticky wet. clammy, and full of snarls and bushiness; mud: damp books: clinging clothes; sticky skin - rain! Whether one is blessed with an umbrella or not makes little dif- ference. Rain ' s subtle fingers pry into the most protected places. Of course, you can always aban- don yourself to the celebration of the event. There is an odd libera- tion felt in kicking your shoes off, pulling on shorts, and running head-long into the new world that rain has created. The grass you know as dry and warm is now slick and cool to the touch. Trees which are usually brown and stiff and stern seem to soften, glistening, their leaves swishing a soft dance to the rain. Lakes receive the new additions with soft plopping mur- murs of welcome, cats and dogs retreat respectfully. And no matter how old you may happen to be, you are a child again, a visitor on a strange and wonderful planet, a guest made special by your very presence. If you listen hard enough. Mann you can almost hear your mama calling you inside. To be Southern born and raised means that rain is an inherent part of your existence. And it is your friend dropping in unexpectedly and not welcome at all. accepted exuberantly and with joy, antici- pated and prepared for. And if you should choose to step into the world of rain, remember it is your friend - you don ' t play in the rain; you play with it! - Rosemary Thompson Student Life 65