Sept. River Reflection

       After a long trek from TCU’s campus to the Trinity River, Mary Lauren and I finally find solace 

from the oppressive Texas mid-afternoon sun under a tree. We allowed our belongings to fall on the

 ground and our bodies to fall onto the park bench. Under my breath, I curse Texas’ climate. After a 

mutual sigh of exhaustion, we decide to commence “reflecting.” 

      Observing the Trinity River, I notice how biology and chemistry collaborate together to create 

the scene in front of me. I take note of the relationship between the sun and the water. The sun’s 

warmth evaporates the water, creating the clouds that in turn block the sun’s rays, casting a large 

shadow. Further down the path, I could almost physically feel the relief felt by the dog-walker 

feeling the cloud’s sun-blocking effect. The sun’s beams warm the air. Having a lower density, warm 

air rises. Cooler air rushes to fill the empty space, creating the wind that ripples the water and rustles 

the leaves above our heads. 

      Through a collective effort, the sun and the water labor to nurture the plants. The myriad of green 

shades I observe are a direct consequence of the plants’ chlorophyll pigments absorbing the sun’s 

rays, and reflecting a scale of green. A critical ingredient in photosynthesis, water travels up the 

xylem in the plant stem to the leaves. 

      My thoughts are interrupted by a young family taking a stroll through the park. A young mother 

briskly power-walks on the pathway, while moments later her son trails along, asking her could we 

please go slower? The leaves rustle above my head, and the breeze follows it. 

    My favorite part about “reflecting” in a public place is when you come to a realization. 

Admittedly, most people don’t look at the Trinity and think the same thoughts I do. Being a natural 

science major definitely skews your perspective. Everyone has a unique perspective. While I sit and 

contemplate clouds and chlorophyll, the boys fishing across the river from me are observing life 

through a different lens. You get so immersed in your own thoughts, then you remember everyone 

around you is completely immersed in their world as well. While a biochemistry major might 

daydream about the hydrogen bonds in the river, an engineering major may contemplate the physics 

of the reflection of the water. An English major may consider the symbolism of water in The 

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and an environmental science major might gag over how 

contaminated The Trinity actually is. 

      We all perceive our surroundings through a lens, and what we expose ourselves to in our life 

molds our lenses. I let another sigh go as I took in my surroundings: the  calm river, the trees with 

rustling leaves. The relief of the breeze was brief, yet appreciated. After gathering my last thoughts 

of my reflection, we gathered our belongings and began our hike back to campus.