gilman 2010

excuses were on hand and repeated for sincerity: "hello, we are reporters from the newsletter. hoping to get a look before everyone starts rushing in." but they were not necessary. the day light had not faded but the inside was quiet and dim. white, the halls seemed endless, leaking paint and wood polish. paper signs and unwrapped furnitures marked the incomplete; one room flickered blue, a projector was left turned on. we endeavored to silent wariness by tiptoes and reconnaissance but our excitement were hard to contain as we imagined our teachers' glee; each would have their own office: beautiful desks, wooden chairs, wide shelves for books, and a window view. no more walks to dell house, of former hotel fame and several professors to a room spacing.

in the new gilman, there are memories that lingered. the rooms are still lined side by side reminding me of sweaty afternoons in the basement, nodding off to the poor air conditioning's endless drone. the hut is still a open space equilibrium, though more like an airport now with its sky high glass ceiling and panopticon modernity. the halls are as narrow and endless as before; though now covered in light and unbroken chiffon yellow.  i am most impressed by the staircases. how cramped they were before and now sweeping and bottomless. 

true, i miss the old gilman of freshman year. the place where i pulled all-nighters and had to test for usable outlets. where the worn sofas were large and enveloping. and the night came in drifts of unwelcomed sleep.