Daily Theme: January 11, 2009
January 11, 2009
Describe a specific scene or event from two different points of view. Think about what each person might see. Locate each narrator in a specific place that affects his or her perspective, and convey each response to the scene through the details you include. Write two separate paragraphs, one from each point of view. 150-200 words each, 400 words maximum (from the application for English 450B, Daily Themes – Yale University).
Advertisement
Word Count: 381
Light flashes past the window, causing a strobe effect in the interior of the car. Combined with the swaying motion, it is hypnotic and my head begins to nod to the curves and dips in the tracks. Screeching brakes and a sudden lurch bring me back. Opening my eyes, I see 145th St. on the tiles and then sink back into unconsciousness. A foul smell wafts in to the car, preceding a man wrapped in a grey blanket. Next stop and I’ll move to another car, I decide, before giving in to slumber once more. A screech and City College slides into view. Picking up my bag, I cast a dirty look at the smell before hurrying to the next car. “Stand clear of the closing doors,” crackles on as I sink into a new seat. Strobe lights and swaying begin again and before I know it, I’m hunched over in the stiff seat, keeping time to the rhythm of the subway.
Off white and yellows come into focus. It must be night now; fewer people are walking around me. A faint buzzing from down the hall catches my attention. It must be a light bulb about to die. I shift myself in the uncomfortable wooden seat, pulling the ragged gray blanket closer. A pine scented must wafts up and I see the young couple a few feet off look at each other before briskly walking away down the platform. In the afternoon I had a sandwich and some water and it helps if I don’t move too much. I’m not as hungry when I sleep. A breeze starts up from my left so a downtown train is coming and suddenly the yellows are too much for me. The limp is back; leg must have gone to sleep faster than I did. I’m near the front of the train how I like it, so I don’t have to go far to get to the stairs at the end of the line. I’m on soon after the doors open; they don’t hold them for people like me. Some guy is nodding off but he looked at me, so I guess he’ll be getting off at the next stop. At least the train will help me sleep before I start all over again.