Compass

If I could have one superpower I would choose you, universal communication.

What I would give to have the mastery of your many forms.

Coming to France for 6 weeks without having ever taken French created quite the language barrier, especially considering that my learning abilities in the area of language are not so supreme and my accent is awfully American.

I am beyond thankful for those who have decided to help translate for me, be it a local French gal or a fellow student, any help surpassed my capabilities and saved me from ordering sparkling bottled water or five pounds of cheese.

Even still, it’s amazed me how much can be conveyed through gestures, a facial expression, or a tone of voice. I’ve watched people, not knowing a single word being spoken, and seen their passion, hurt, or love gush through every muscle that twitched towards communication.

I’ve sat in a playground and watched as kids lacking a common form of you make the best of friends for hours on end, never wanting to leave.

I’ve seen visitors and locals grow fond of each other over an order at a cafe.

And I’ve felt the immediate connection between myself and my dear foreign run ins, when dance and laughter are our only ways of exchanging information.

According to Brad Harrub and his Ph.D. in neurobiology and anatomy, “Organic evolution has proven unable to elucidate the origin of language and communication.”

So where did you come from and what is to blame for your beautiful and complex diversity?

I believe that you were ultimately created out of a punishment which scattered us around the world. But, that isn’t said to retract from your beauty, in fact, it doesn’t; I find it even more romantic that you still possess this allurement, in all your forms, throughout the world.

I love that you create a confusion, that is still so intriguing to listen to.

I love that you encourage learning and understanding through different structures and forms.

And I love that you allow people to connect, but you do not fence in permanent boundaries, claiming yourself as the only form of communication.

Mouths are not the only part of the body capable of speaking. Talking, maybe, yes. But I’ve seen, heard, and felt from outside the set of teeth, floppy tongue, and malleable lips.

Often, in your typically defined borders, you are thought to follow a particular structure, contain a set of words, and have a systematic rhythm.

I say you are more closely linked to communication overall, inclusive of gestures, sounds, emotions, laughter, words, and expressions.

May I never lose sight of how far a kind gesture can go, a simple smile, or an understanding nod.

Riley Makenna

chillin in my favorite little garden, luxembourg

it is so beautiful!

they race and sail little boats along the pond

this little kido and i went to the park

okay so i basically just took a photo of this dude but i didn’t know what i was taking a photo of because my screen was so dark hahahah

mood

once again, the beautiful garden

saying goodbye to friends and some of the big monuments of paris

crepes with this gal

judy’s, right by the garden that i love